When Novara’s owners took over the club in mid-December, the Azzurri were second to last with just 12 points in their first 17 matches. The average more than doubled in the following 21 days, rising from 0.71 to 1.48, a useful record to avoid direct relegation but by a whisker but not the playouts.
President Marco La Rosa, would you have signed for the play-offs before Christmas?
«No, I admit it. In my heart I hoped that we would have saved ourselves a little earlier, and in fact the ranking does not fully reward the performances. In terms of play, we held our own against anyone except Mantua, with whom we drew anyway, and Padova. We played great in Vicenza and Trieste, as well as with Atalanta Under 23 and Legnago, just to name the first in the group. But if we have to go through the playouts it means that something is missing and we have to look for it within ourselves.”
What, specifically?
«I think a pinch of awareness in facing the tight ends of the race. We left many points on the way from an advantageous position after playing excellent matches. In my opinion, in certain situations some legacy of the first part of the season that we unconsciously carried with us as our limit has had an impact. Perhaps one more victory would have been enough to shake off that burden. It’s a real shame because, I repeat, we tried hard and we deserved more. But I’m very confident. It will mean that we will reach the goal in May.”
How do you face the playouts with Fiorenzuola?
«With the spirit and quality that we have always demonstrated in recent months. I am convinced that if the team goes onto the pitch focused and plays their football, they can do it very well. It’s certainly not a question of underestimating our opponents, but of leveraging the certainties we have built through work. It is also positive that the play-off outcome is decided over two matches, rather than a single match in which one episode could be decisive. Furthermore, we will recover Lorenzini and hopefully some other injured players.”
Are you satisfied with Mr. Gattuso’s work?
«Yes, he did well by giving the team a game. But I’m also satisfied with the boys. We have a good foundation on which to build the future.”
What if it goes wrong?
«I understand the question, but I reiterate that our project will certainly continue. Obviously, it would be a huge disappointment.”
For more than four months now she has been living this new experience, up and down between Sicily and Piedmont, with the Boveri family and Lo Monaco. A mini budget?
“I’m very happy. I like Novara and I have serious and competent people next to me.”
Would you make the choice again?
“Absolutely yes. With this team there are all the foundations to fight for more ambitious goals.”
Lo Monaco has envisaged greater corporate participation by the Boveri and the entry of a third partner in the near future. This would allow the CEO to sell his shares while maintaining managerial responsibility. Is this the likely scenario?
“It is. But we are in no hurry to decide. Let’s say that the membership of a third party would be the icing on the cake for a team that in itself already guarantees stability. This is why we are in no hurry and are available to only welcome investors who share our values, starting with great seriousness. There are some open scenarios and I’m sure that once safety is achieved, many will come forward. We wait for the right person and remain focused on the present.” —
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