BADIA POLESINE (Rovigo) – At the end of the match won at the last gasp on Sunday 5 May (last of the 2023/24 Serie A championship READ ARTICLE), the sporting director Matteo Equisetto (in the photo above with Ivo Baccaglini) immediately outlined the balance of the season that has just ended. His opinion is overall positive.
“I’ll say straight away that we didn’t aspire to promotion – Equisetto begins – and therefore we are satisfied with the result achieved on the field, regardless of the Fir’s decisions. Some aspects were not respected but never, like this year, have we been plagued by injuries (17) and let’s not forget that the average age of our players is the youngest in the category, with many 2004s. This, sometimes , made himself felt especially in the main roles. Obviously we lost some games due to lack of experience but we have an excellent defense.”
His evaluation of the partnership with Rovigo was also positive, which allowed the technical growth of talented young people. The DS is convinced that something will have to improve in the near future, “…even if the commitment from the boys has never been lacking, even off the pitch”.
And for the new season? Equisetto replies: “Given that Joe Van Niekerk (photo above) after three years he leaves us, we are already working on the pieces to be as ready as possible for the new adventure”.
The sponsor was present at the interview Ivo Baccagliniparticularly jubilant at Elia Zampolli’s goal transformed then by Davide Gardinale, and the logistics manager Gianni Montanaro. The latter, on the same wavelength as the DS, referring to the young age of the team, spoke of “A bet won in a very difficult championship and an investment in the future”.
Now, the appointment for breaking ranks is for Wednesday 15 May, when the season will officially close at the Emporio Borsari.
The most important news, however, comes directly from Andrea Muzzi (photo above), main sponsor of the Badia team who, when asked to clarify whether he will continue in his commitment, replies: “I think I will continue to do so if the Badia entrepreneurship also actively contributes. Because if it’s true that Badia rugby gives visibility to the city, it’s a good idea for everyone to get involved. For over 10 years I have been financially exposed in a significant way, with over 600 thousand euros, I do it willingly but I would like local entrepreneurs to take action to help. We will soon have a meeting with the most important companies in the area to see if there is this availability.”
The message is clear, either new climbing partners are found or it is unlikely that Muzzi will continue to support Rugby Badia alone. And this could open up disturbing scenarios for the future.
Ugo Mariano Brasioli
