Lamezia Terme – Thirty-seven years old, among other things completed a few hours after the 3-0 to Paolana which gave the mathematical promotion to D to his Sambiase, and not hearing from them for Antonio Crucitti. With his ten goals, to which add the five in the Italian Cup, he has led the Giallorossi this season. It is no coincidence that he was the only one in the squad to have finished in double figures in terms of scoring. Six of these goals were very important, as they helped break the initial 0-0. But the remaining four were also equally valuable, having allowed us to reach 2-0 or 3-1. Not to mention the several winning assists for his teammates. Despite an already very long career, for the player from Taurianova the one achieved in the Giallorossi was “only” the third promotion in his career, after those with Modica, again from Eccellenza to D, and, from D to C2, with Hinterreggio . Right on the banks of the Strait, but in the more famous Reggina, he began his youth career playing with Esordienti, Giovanissimi and Allievi. Then the Primavera experience in Catania. His very first years in the first team were played in Eccellenza, between Delianuova and Modica. In the Sicilian city famous for its particular chocolate, the first of its two, almost consecutive, seasons of C2.
“Despite the fact that I was very young at the time – recalls Crucitti – my years among the professionals with Modica and Bassano Virtus were fundamental for my football growth”. After the experience in Veneto, a series of fourteen consecutive seasons in Serie D. Sequela interrupted last summer with the choice to accept the proposal of Sambiase, returning, after seventeen years, to try their hand at the highest regional tournament . “On the one hand it was very simple given that, as soon as I met the company and the directors Mazzei and Porpora, I was immediately convinced of the quality of the project and their ambitions. Of course, after so many years of D it wasn’t easy to move down a category, but, I repeat, I was immediately convinced, having been pleasantly surprised by the seriousness of the management. And I wasn’t wrong considering that the club actually behaved in a commendable way, always staying close to us, never letting us miss anything and managing the entire year excellently. He believed in us from day one, so much so that the squad, with the exception of a few additions, remained the same from start to finish. And we repaid it on the field with performances and victories.”
Crucitti admits he understood that the championship could be won very early on. “When we deservedly won the first leg of the derby 2-0, bringing great joy to our fans, and the following Sunday drew 0-0 at the home of a Soriano who was only two points behind us at the time, we were already there I had the feeling that I could do it. Even more so when we closed the first round with a nine-point lead over our closest pursuers, and even ten points ahead of Vigor. Having shown ourselves to be superior in the direct clashes in the first leg gave us even more awareness of our strength. As regards the second half of the season, credit must be given to Lamezia for having achieved an extraordinary performance, but we were no exception, having conceded, during their streak of ten consecutive victories, just two draws to their opponents. ”.
He also has no doubts in replying that “from memory I don’t remember a previous season of mine with such sensational numbers. We even conceded the last goal on the second day back. The secret of this amazing ride? Myself and my other companions returned to the Excellence after a long time or, in some cases, even for the first time, we fell well into the category with a lot of humility and desire to reach the final goal. Thanks to the quality, the determination, the right mentality and the harmony created from the first day in our locker room, we have overcome the various problems, read many injuries, which have bored various members of our advanced department. Anyone who was called upon to make their contribution, whether over or under, always gave their best.”
His natural role has always been that of midfielder, or at least midfielder, but in recent years coaches have often advanced him. In the current season, out of necessity, he has often had to play as a “false new player”. On the other hand, he has never lacked the ability to score, as evidenced by the approximately 140 goals scored in his career. “Starting from the 2018-19 season, in which I scored 21 goals with Cittanova, I held a more advanced position, as an attacking midfielder let’s say or, in the specific case mentioned, just behind that Abayian found this year as a teammate. This season, due to the various problems we had with our center forwards, I also had to adapt to central striker, a role I had held only a few years ago at San Luca, although not with the continuity of this year. It wasn’t difficult, however, given that as team mates I was able to count on people like Umbaca, who I consider to be one of the strongest footballers in the entire Excellence, and not only that, who in turn often sacrificed himself to do the first striker, Cataldi, Scrugli, Trentinella and so on”.
The playmaker born in ’87 then established a special relationship with coach Claudio Morelli. “We met this year and from day one we had a special understanding. He always left me free to vary, find the right position and look for the decisive play. Obviously always with the utmost respect for my teammates and the entire technical staff. He also entrusted me with the captaincy which was a great honor for me, even more so in this season and in this place. I can only thank him for what he gave me on and off the pitch.” It is impossible for Antonio Crucitti to choose his best goal ever, but a rather recent one is undoubtedly among the most important ones of his twenty-year career. “For what the match in question represents for the city of Lamezia, I can safely tell you that one of the most beautiful, and important at the same time, was the one scored in the derby after a few minutes”.
But the season is not over yet: on Sunday we will take to the field to win that Super Cup which would represent the classic icing on the cake. “We really want to win it to give another joy to our great fans and to the club itself. Among other things, it will be played on our pitch and therefore we want to end an exciting year in the best possible way. This is also why once we had achieved the mathematics of promotion, we continued to train quite well, as befits an experienced and mature group.”
A very correct footballer, and this is demonstrated by the only expulsion, also for a double yellow card, received throughout his career, the Sambiase captain has faced them twice this season, drawing in the first leg and beating them, among other things thanks also to a his goal, in the return, was the Palmese team coached by his brother Giuseppe. “It was the first time I found him in front of me as an opposing coach. I admit that I was a little disappointed to score them, also because they already occupied a delicate position in the standings, but obviously I was wearing the Sambiase shirt and therefore I had to do everything to win the match. That same evening we found ourselves at our parents’ house for dinner and mum scolded me, half-jokingly, for having scored a goal for my brother! Of course it all ended in a good laugh. About twenty years ago, when I played in Delianuova and he in Villese, also still in Eccellenza, we both found ourselves on the pitch as opponents. Together, however, we played two seasons in Gioia Tauro. It was nice to share the same locker room and the same matches. Also for our parents who were able to see their children play and celebrate on the same team.”
The ex from San Luca and Cittanova still has no intention of hanging up his shoes. “Despite my age, as long as I am mentally prepared for sacrifice, desire and determination, and my body obviously continues to respond, I will move forward. In short, for a few more years I believe that he will be on the playing field. Once I stop, and it will be hard to do so, I would still like to stay in this world, even if I obviously don’t know with what tasks. Continue with this shirt? Last summer my goal was to move down a category to immediately return to D. If the conditions exist to continue my experience here, they will find an open door in me. Whatever the decision, it will be accepted by me with the utmost tranquility, as I have always done in the past.” Outside of football, Crucitti admits that he never unplugs from sport and movement. “When I finish the season, in that month and a half I like to play padel, obviously not every day. I always keep myself in shape.” As for his favorite team and football idol, the footballer born thirty-seven years ago in Taurianova tells us that he is “an AC Milan fan, but always attracted and amazed by Pirlo’s way of playing. For me one of the strongest players in the history of football.”
Ferdinando Gaetano
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