Class 56′, Aldo Papagni, a face known to Taranto fans for his time on the banks of the Ionian Sea, expresses his thoughts on Taranto seen during the regular season and expresses his opinion on the play-offs which are now about to start. These are his statements to the microphones of MondoRossoBlù.it.
Did you expect such an important championship from the Ionian team? Which players surprised you the most this year? Who benefited most from Capuano’s dictates?
“I think that on the eve of very few people were expecting this championship in the face of real battleships who had made a mistake in the season. At the starting line there was hope for a place in the play offs but certainly not a championship of this level where it finished second on the field on equal points with ‘Avellino did something exceptional for which we must congratulate the owners and all those who contributed to the creation of this championship.
Already at the starting line the workforce was important and during the course of this year it has increased its value exponentially. Between the posts Vannucchi represents a certainty and security, firstly Antonini, and later Luciani Miceli and Riggio represented an important defensive department for the category. Zonta and Calvano in midfield made an excellent impression on me, in the offensive department, among the players who made the greatest impression on me, I certainly mention Kanoute and Bifulco, while the rest of the players have different characteristics. I am of the opinion that Taranto had a great championship and that they can play a good play-off. From a temperamental and behavioral point of view, an aspect that should not be forgotten, everyone benefited, I think Capuano’s choice to rely on leaders in every role and on a technical staff capable of making the various elements express themselves in the best possible way is excellent.”
The championship has come to an end, what playoffs do you expect? Who are the favorites to move up in category and which team could surprise expectations?
“In recent years the play-offs have shown that they can overturn the predictions. I expect a very interesting play-off beyond the qualifications such as place and personnel. It is complicated to make predictions because the teams that have to wait could have some problems from a physical point of view and psychological. Padova, Vicenza and Triestina should have a better chance of moving up the rankings due to the value of the place and the team. I will certainly also mention Perugia, Carrarese and Torres who played a stratospheric championship. Avellino, Benevento and Casertana. Finally, I will also mention Picerno who, after a good first round, suffered a decline but are open to anything.”
The cadetteria has been missing for many years in the Ionian square. In your opinion, what could Taranto aspire to? Do you have a real chance of replicating Lecco’s feat from last year? Is it better to start before or after the playoff lottery?
“Taranto has the possibility of replicating Lecco, it is a very solid team, certainly the particular attention and unity of the group with the fans must also be taken into account who I know for sure will not leave the team alone and will be a notable added value for Capuano and his players. As already mentioned in other publications, I am of the opinion that Taranto arrives at the playoffs in an important psychophysical condition and this could represent an important factor in view of the various close matches.
Starting early definitely has its pros and cons. Starting later could become exhausting from a psychological point of view, which could be an important advantage for teams that start earlier.”
Taranto’s first match is now imminent, what match are you expecting and how could Latina approach it? In your opinion, will the Ionian team respect their initial predictions?
“First of all, I start with the premise that the last match must absolutely be eliminated. Tuesday’s match will be a new match with enormous difficulties like all those encountered in this journey. Taranto starts with an advantage but this must not be a reason for presumption, it must approach the match with great intensity, with sacrifice and great team spirit. Taranto has the possibility of playing an excellent playoff, whoever has the best mental and physical abilities will win.”
