From the first leg to the return derby, a season in five long months lived in one breath, going from a very sad penultimate place which meant direct relegation to a strongly desired, sought and deserved salvation, which arrived a day early which now the party is wide open in the most awaited race of the year.
The calendar gives Termoli the final catwalk in the match against Campobasso, in what is to all intents and purposes a festive derby, between the Serie C of the rossoblù which gives a more important stage to the team from the capital and the permanence in Serie D which represents an important achievement for Termoli in a season that seemed to have something else in store. And the belief that the Giallorossi team could aim for salvation began right from the first leg match, which ended goalless, but played on par with the league leaders for a very open challenge sealed with Vittorio Esposito’s penalty saved by his namesake, Manuel Esposito, perhaps a sign of destiny that brings the two teams together arm in arm to celebrate their respective goals.
There will be no Giallorossi fans at the “Molinari” on Sunday, a choice that has made many turn up their noses, as happened in the December derby, which kept the Campobasso fans away from “Cannarsa”. But football is a celebration and it is above all the fans who provide beautiful moments that surround the football played and taking away the possibility for anyone of not being able to support their team away represents a sort of moral “defeat” for the most beautiful game of the world.
Termoli arrives at the meeting with Campobasso with a great desire to end the season in the best way, as the number one of the Giallorossi club also underlined, Flaviano Montaquila, who last Sunday with L’Aquila celebrated salvation with his family, under the section of the Giallorossi fans: “It was wonderful because the family supports me and puts up with me in this adventure” – said the Giallorossi president – “Let’s close the season in Campobasso determined to do it in the best way and crown a championship which saw us achieve what we wanted and which gratifies and makes us proud”. On the same wavelength the general director of the club, Pino Nuozzi, which confirmed the enthusiasm that can be felt at Termoli: “We are enjoying this moment which repays the efforts made by the club, the staff, the team and our fans who have never failed to give us their contribution, even when the moments were not they were positive” – recalled the Giallorossi manager – “We gritted our teeth, we started again with new choices and motivations and in the end the result rewards Termoli football which remains in Serie D and we want to start again from here”.
Against the league leaders, the Giallorossi still have to do without Vittorio Esposito – the former player who won a memorable championship with the Rossoblù – who will serve the last day of his suspension, and probably Kily Hernandez, the Spaniard struggling with his recovery physical after the injury a few weeks ago which the Giallorossi coach is unlikely to risk. Termoli should therefore take the field with Lombardo between the posts and the defense lined up with the defense made up of Sicignano, Caiazza and Hutsol and with Barchi on the outside. In the midfield there will be Scoppa directing with Colarelli, Garzia and Corcione, while Gabrielli and Burzio will pair up on the front line, except to see Longo again from the 1st minute, now recovered from the annoying injury that has seen him away from the pitch in recent weeks. And the technician Massimo Carnivalpresents the challenge with Campobasso like this: “We face the team that deservedly won the championship” – explained the Termoli coach – “it was the most continuous team, they have history and coat of arms and it is right that the championship finale has Campobasso awarded. It’s a shame because Sunday could have been Molise’s football celebration, our fans won’t be there on a day that rewards two teams who have achieved their respective goals. Is the team satisfied? Termoli will play to honor this match and play it as we know, we care, the club cares and the fans care. Salvation? A goal that we strongly wanted. Yes, I remember we had seven points when I arrived in Termoli and morale was low. We all rolled up our sleeves, I found great availability in the group, the club did its thing and all together we achieved the goal we wanted.” And then Carnevale closes by talking about the future: “I have already spoken with the company, there is a general agreement, marriages are always done in two. Now let’s finish the championship in the best way and then we’ll think about planning for the future.”
At the “Molinari” in Campobasso, the kick-off will be at 3.00 pm. For the match against Campobasso, the match director Michele Maccorin from Pordenone has been appointed and will be assisted by assistants Stefano Petarlin from Vicenza and Mauro Ottobretti from Foligno
