Anyone who thought that Latina on Tuesday evening would be the first sacrificial victim on the altar of Taranto in their playoff journey was greatly mistaken. And, perhaps, a victim to be attacked easily, without worries, almost like a guest at an already obvious party. None of this. The match against Pontini made it clear once again how the playoffs are another world. We often say another championship, another story, another dimension. The points difference in the standings, any technical differences as well as the motivations are completely eliminated. Other logics, other situations, other contexts come into play. Even from a technical-tactical point of view, many perspectives change. And against Latina there was a simple appetizer of what these play-offs will be for Taranto.
There are moments, in a playoff game, where even the slightest mistake can cost an entire season, an entire year of work and sacrifices. The Taranto on Tuesday evening was a Taranto, we must say, not particularly brilliant and not so much due to its demerits but due to Latina’s aggressive and fast attitude. Fontana’s team, with its way of playing and approaching the match knowing that it has to win, made us understand that anyone who comes to Iacovone from now on will not show up with the championship codes but will act by biting their ankles and attacking immediately. Anyone will do everything to try to take advantage of any detail to bring home the result. On Tuesday evening Taranto probably suffered with a line-up of men, especially on the right wing, not entirely perfect where D’Orazio’s technique and quality created quite a few problems for Capuano’s team. Everyone seemed to see a Taranto in a bit of difficulty on an athletic level and with a lot of tension inside. It is clear that many of the rossoblù players feel the responsibility of a second place in the championship which inevitably creates expectations, creates that feeling of having to demonstrate on the pitch that they are worthy of that position obtained in the regular season.
The second half, with Capuano’s substitutions, brought some more certainty above all switching to 3-5-2 with the presence of Ladinetti and Valietti. More speed, more substance and some good opportunities created and not exploited due to inaccuracy and little malice. Of course, there was no shortage of dangers with Vannucchi being the great protagonist and savior of the rossoblù homeland in many circumstances. What, in any case, comforts everyone is the tenacity with which Capuano’s men fought, supported by an audience that once again responded present and who supported the whole team until the last second. In short, there will be a lot of fighting and suffering in these playoffs. It will be necessary, starting from the next home match against Picerno on Saturday, recover the best possible energy and tranquility. Here, light-heartedness must be the additional weapon. Release any tension to play it to the fullest. The players have already demonstrated their qualities and so we go on the pitch without necessarily proving anything. What is more to come will be something even more beautiful.
