In a less than serene climate, Pergolizzi met journalists at the “Sant’Agata” to present the Coppa Italia derby with Vibonese. Appointment at 5pm at the “Granillo”: «Let’s not get lost – he began – in situations that do not concern football. We are focused on preparing for the match. Reggina is an important club with a glorious past and we hope that the good times can return. When there is a problem it is for everyone». On the absence of organised groups he added: «Football goes forward thanks to the presence of the fans and the curve is their home. Not having them will not be the same thing. However, we must not get demoralised because our club can start a virtuous path. I still believe that respect for roles is needed». He then took stock of the summer retreat: «During these weeks we trained intensely. Luckily we had few injuries and, therefore, even on a physical level it was a good preparation. We cannot expect to be one hundred percent and that is normal, but from a mental point of view we must be. The group worked to have certainties».
The topic of the formation was touched upon, which could still be 3-5-2: “Nowadays in modern football you can’t hide anything and it’s easy to know the opposing formations. I don’t hide and playing with a four or five-man defence doesn’t change anything”. The coach asked the big names to drag the group along: “I expect the big ones to be able to give a contribution to the younger ones. They will also have to help us reach the objective that we know what it is. Here there are expert players who have different characteristics and if everyone takes their responsibilities the results will not be long in coming. Reggina must return to where it deserves to be and to do so we will need a united dressing room. The aim is to play the matches with serenity and tranquility. The cup match is certainly not a friendly and we hope to get through the round. Vibonese is strong and will give us a hard time. We will take to the field with the right mentality, fighting from the first minute”.
Amaranto favorites to go to Lega Pro? “The starting grid will be established when we start. Every challenge is expected to be complicated. We always need respect and humility, aware of what we have to do.” The coach said goodbye analyzing the market that will close at the end of the month: “Tomorrow (today, ed.) at the end of the derby we will discuss the topic. At the moment there are no elements arriving, perhaps in a few days. Whoever comes will have to think about the team. I have very good Unders who need to be given time to improve.”
Wednesday at 9pm in the setting of Piazza Castello an evening with the presentation of Reggina and SportSpecialist (Volleyball Serie A3).
Probable lineups
Reggina: Lumia, Bonacchi, Adejo, Cham, Vesprini, Ba, Laaribi, Barillà, Porcino, Barranco, Ragusa. Coach: Pergolizzi
Vibo Valentia: Illipronti, Fontanelli, Checa, Capone, Squillace, Milazzo, Favo, Giunta, Berardi, Alagna, Terranova. Coach: Facciolo