Messina’s physical condition is growing and Giacomo Modica continues to try new solutions in his 4-3-3. The test with Valletta FC, a Maltese top flight team with some defections due to the national team’s commitments, it ended at 1-1 with both goals coming in the second half from Polito and Ewurum.
Good indications in view of the trip to Taranto next Monday, even if the situation relating to “Iacovone” remains to be paid attention to. Eight “under” in the starting eleven chosen by Modica which still proposes Ortisi as left back and “moves” Frisenna into the role play. A welcome position for the former Licata player, already tested in the Sila retreat, for a modern interpretation of the role, more of a disruption than a real approach. Between the posts there is De Matteis, in defense Salvo on the right and in the middle the Ferrara-Pacciardi couple who can thus put minutes and understanding in their legs and head. Midfield trio completed by midfielders Scafetta and Firenze, while Cavallo and Zunno act up front on either side of Luciani.
Kick-off preceded by a minute of silence to honor the memory of Pasquale Squadrito, former consultant of the club in the 17/18 Serie D season. Messina stops at the woodwork hit by the attacking wingers: Cavallo hits the crossbar in the 17th minute with a curling shot; Zunno hits the post after a valuable personal inspiration. Action born from a ball recovery in Pacciardi’s midfield circle, a sign of how Messina is assimilating Modica’s “aggressive” concepts in every way. Maltese active in attack on their left-handed lane and with a conclusion on the back by Diego Cardoso.
In the second half there was space between the posts for the Primavera goalkeeper Di Bella, in defense there were Polito, Darini, Manetta and Tropea; in the middle of the field Lia, Giunta and Buffa, while in front with Cavallo are Plescia and Emmausso. Fumagalli, Franco and Ragusa will remain out for the entire 90′ as a precaution (personalised work for him). Messina took the lead shortly after the hour mark: Cavallo’s shot is saved by Cini who can do nothing about Polito’s second precise conclusion. The Maltese try with Falcone (high shot) and above all with Susnjam who incredibly puts it out with the door wide open after the home goalkeeper’s missed exit. Last twenty minutes on the pitch for 2006 Giosuè Villani in place of Cavallo and with Valletta FC equalizing in the 78th minute: risky horizontal ball from Emmausso intercepted by Ewerum who unleashes a perfect right-footed shot from the edge of the area which gets stuck in the corner. The 1-1 will never be broken again. The match ends with Florence for Buffa and with Emmausso’s expulsion during injury time for protests.
The Maltese bid farewell to “Marullo” amidst the applause of the public and the groups organized behind the goal defended by De Matteis in the first half. Valletta who today will be received by the mayor Federico Basile and will carry out a relaxing workout at the “Marullo” before returning to his homeland.
