The curtain rises on Real Casalnuovo-Reggina, a big playoff match. Meet at 3pm at the “Domenico Iorio” stadium. The Amaranths, fresh from the brilliant success against Akragas, intend to redeem the defeat of the first leg which sparked several controversies so much so that Trocini's work was also called into question. However, that was a team still under construction. Now, however, the scenarios have changed and the coach from Cosenza will field an internally driven eleven with Renelus and Provazza on the sidelines who will support Rosseti, ready to return from the first minute.
The coach (yesterday he did not hold the usual conference because the group had already left for the city of Campania in the morning) released some brief statements on the club's website: «Great match to face with the awareness of the importance of the stakes palio. We must bring home the result in every way against a very organized opponent who plays effective football.”
He then spoke about the defeat in November: «Al Granillo punished us and consequently we must not repeat the same mistakes. It is essential not to get the approach wrong. I asked the boys for maximum concentration». He then focused on the injury situation: «Only Salandria will be missing. He worked intensely during the week and the physical and mental condition of the players is excellent.”
Eleven already outlined?
«There are some doubts and I will take the time available to decide who to send onto the field». Passage also to the promotion play-offs: «The objective is almost achieved, even if there are five stages left between now and the end of the championship. It's forbidden to let our guard down since it will be important to defend fourth place.”
The Curva Sud will not be missed in Casalnuovo: «We feel the public is close to us and, even though it is an away game, our people will still come to the “Domenico Iorio” so we won't feel alone”.
Special afternoon for Reginaldo who will not celebrate if he scores a goal. The Brazilian is linked to the city across the Strait and his return next summer cannot be ruled out. Also worth keeping an eye on is Sarno, another ex. We expect a performance of character from Mungo. The former Cosenza native is growing, but Barillà, as always, will dictate the tempo in the key area. The captain is useful both in the interdiction and proposition phases. He will have to rediscover his best Perri shine, which has seen a slight decline in recent outings. The coach will also focus on the acceleration of Renelus who, when he starts at speed, is unstoppable. The same goes for Provazza who was among the best against Akragas.
But Esposito is a prepared coach and will try to put the visiting team in difficulty. «I hope that the city responds – he said – with a massive presence in the stands. We are not in a positive moment and we will also miss Bonavita and Buchicchio, both born in 2004. We will have to suffer because we will face Reggina who have also played in Serie A in the past. However, I remain confident, in fact I know the strength of the group. We have the means to achieve something exceptional, even if the timetable is uphill. After the amaranths, we will face Acireale.”