Finally we start. After the success in the Coppa Italia derby, thanks to goals by Giuliodori and Barranco, Reggina will try to overcome Igea Virtus away. Appointment at 4 pm at the “D’Alcontres”. A large crowd is expected. Yesterday, as on every respectable eve, Pergolizzi met the press at the sports center.
The coach appeared motivated and determined to start the season on the right foot: “For us, tomorrow’s match (today, ed.) will be like the first day of school. It promises to be a tough match that we hope to win. The championship is difficult and we are aware of that. We know we have a lot of responsibilities. The matches must be faced with experience, professionalism and commitment.”
The suspended Porcino, Barillà and Barranco will be missing. Three important absences that however have not deprived the leader from Palermo of sleep: «I have a squad of depth and whoever replaces them will certainly do well. It is clear that these are important elements ready to return next Sunday. There is healthy competition within the group and I am satisfied to be able to train certain types of players. Rajkovic will also be missing, not because he is injured, but because of his less than optimal physical condition. He is not yet one hundred percent and soon he will be».
Is there a chance that the three new players will start from the beginning? The Sicilian coach responded as follows: «They will be called up, even if they need to get minutes in their legs. Some of them could be included in the starting eleven. In this regard, I am evaluating different situations. We will see what I decide and what system to adopt. Regardless of everything, I feel gratified to be able to work with guys like that. For me it is an honor to have returned to Reggio, a city that has given me so much satisfaction».
On the synthetic pitches that are often found in Serie D, he added: «No problem, what counts is the spirit of adaptation. If a striker is strong, he scores on any pitch». Too large a squad? Here is the clarification: «25-26 players are enough for me. Whoever stays will have to realize that they risk ending up in the stands. I have always thought that to get to the end, the contribution of each of us will be needed».
Seven days ago, Reggina expressed itself with intensity in the opening minutes, then had a decline also due to the intense heat: «The team of the first half hour is the one I would always like to see, but soon we will be at our best. It will take a bit of time and the decline was predictable».
Closing on the fans: «They will also be present in Barcelona and we are happy. Having them next to us gives us enthusiasm». In fact, the magic was recreated in Piazza Castello that evening. The public cheered the Amaranth with scarves and flags. The representatives of the Sud will also follow Reggina in the away match in Barcelona. Against Scafatese, the Curva, barring any surprises, should be heading towards reopening. Positive feelings filter through from Palazzo San Giorgio.