For the second consecutive year the Pro Patria closes its season ad April not yet concluded. In itself, not bad news. Unless you cultivate ambitions of playoffs. But since it seems (strictly based on recent performances), that the postseason were of interest to the right (euphemism for little or nothing), then the premature closing credits should be downgraded to good news. If only because the scenario was up until the 1-3 draw with Renate at the end of February playoffs it hadn’t completely set (plus 2 on the fifth to last). Then, the 7 points with Trento, Pro Vercelli and Lumezzane (curiously, the last 3 coins playoffs), they archived the practical salvation anticipating (another euphemism) a not exactly memorable epilogue. Consisting of 5 defeats in the last 7 (some really not very commendable like those with Fiorenzuola, Atalanta U23 and, in part, Virtus Verona), 4 points scored (victory only against Alessandria who lost 7 of the last 9), and always closing at plus 2 on the fifth last (i.e. Arzignano, however saved thanks to the 9 points on Pro Sesto). In short, shortness of breath, rarefied motivations, limited ability (or will) to update the objective once virtually achieved big goals of the stay in Serie C. All keys to understanding the subtext of the abrupt white-blue slowdown recorded from mid-March onwards. Yesterday in the post-race “Breda” the captain of the day Luca Bertoni he referred to “glass half full”. Classic metaphor with citizenship rights if you rewind the tape to the very thin first round (19 points, one per game). But it switch following (23 points in the first 12 of the second leg), would probably have legitimized other horizons. Question of points of view. But be that as it may, the glass remains half full.
the coming year
Offseason river (gathering no less than 80 days apart). And several issues to resolve in via Cà Bianca. Starting from the future corporate structure. At present it is difficult to think of a 2024/25 season that we don’t see yet Patrizia Testa in full control of the club. But there may be new grafts waiting for just one subsequent change of governance. All very premature speculations but in any case priority to the technical field. We will start again from the 13 players still under contract and (plausibly) also from Riccardo Colombo on the bench. However, these topics were not developed before June.
Hiccups in Taranto
12.30pm. Extraordinary council of Lega Pro. The dates of the next playoffs are on the table in light of Taranto’s appeal (against the 4-point penalty which, if amended, would put the Apulians back in second place) which will postpone the start of the play-offs (Tuesday 7th instead of Saturday 4th May). Followed by qualifying for the 3 groups:
Group A
Mantua (1) promoted to Serie B
Padua (2), Vicenza (3), Triestina (4) ai playoffs
First round of the Group Playoffs (Tuesday 7 May)
Atalanta (5) – Trento (10)
Legnago (6) – Lumezzane (9)
Giana (7) – Pro Vercelli (8)
Alessandria (20) and Pro Sesto (19) relegated to D Series
Playout (Sunday 12 and 19 May)
Fiorenzuola (18) – Novara (17)
Group B
Cesena (1) promoted to Serie B
Torres (2), Carrarese (3), Perugia (4) ai playoffs
First round of the Group Playoffs (Tuesday 7 May)
Gubbio (5) – Rimini (10)
Pescara (6) – Pontedera (9)
Juventus Next Gen (7) – Arezzo (8)
Olbia (20) and Fermana (19) relegated to D Series
Playout (Sunday 12 and 19 May)
Recanatese (18) – Vis Pesaro (17)
Group C
Juve Stabia (1) promoted to Serie B
Avellino (2), Benevento (3), Casertana (4), Catania (13) ai playoffs
First playoff round of the Group (Tuesday 7 May)
Taranto (5) – Latina (10)
Picerno (6) – Crotone (9)
Bold Cerignola (7) – Giugliano (8)
Brindisi (20) relegated to D Series
Playout (Sunday 12 and 19 May)
Monterosi Tuscia (19) – Potenza (16)
Virtus Francavilla (18) – Monopoli (17)
Giovanni Castiglioni
