From the status of favorite to that of «underdog» the step is short. With the passage of the round, Benevento inevitably leaves the spotlight to teams that have achieved second place in the championship and, with it, also the obligation to win at all costs, in continuity with what they demonstrated in the regular season. On the other hand, the only two times in which the «Witch» achieved promotion through the playoffs and was certainly not considered the best equipped (it happened both in 1999 in C2 after fourth place and in 2017 in B after fifth place). The teams that have scored the most points are now called upon to confirm their expectations: for Benevento it could be an advantage from a psychological point of view, but they will still need to score one more goal than Torres to qualify for the 180 minutes. Maybe starting today, in the first leg.
«We have to experience pressures in a serene way – he explains Auteri – that is, having the desire to make important performances, remaining balanced on the pitch, always being proactive and enterprising. We must feel the competitive tension, woe if it weren’t like this.”
There is curiosity regarding the preparation for this evening’s match. It will be the opportunity for Benevento to mortgage the semi-final within friendly walls, but for Auteri it would be a mistake to bet everything on a single match. «Let’s think in the context of the double match – he underlines – and not just thinking about the first leg, which I don’t think can already be decisive for going through to the next round. We’re fine, we can’t do many things in a few days, we know we’re facing a strong team that we’ve analyzed in depth.” And on Torres: «They are very similar to us, they play with three forwards who do not provide points of reference, I see many affinities and for this reason I think we will see two good comparisons. A team that always takes to the field to win – specifies the Sicilian coach -, structured, that plays excellent football.” For AuteriFurthermore, «individual duels will be decisive. We could also change something, given that everyone knows us now.”
However, several unknowns remain regarding the initial lineup. «Everyone is fine, including Viscardi and Capellini. Terranova is training in a group and is available. I haven’t decided anything yet.” The idea, however, is not to overturn it, even if someone might need to catch their breath. «I know my players and my group well. There are consolidated athletes, Improta and Simonetti are among them. Someone like Perlingieri, for example, isn’t one yet, while Ciciretti, despite being one, always brings with him some physical problems. Several can take over, I’m doing all the necessary assessments and then I’ll make a decision.”
The coach doesn’t make any fuss but in the end he should present a lineup that won’t differ much from the one that faced Triestina. In fact, it could be exactly the same. The ballots are open: Viscardi has an advantage over Meccariello and Terranova, Talia threatens Agazzi who starts ahead anyway, one of Perlingieri or Ciciretti could initially start on the outside, replaced by Ciano, or perhaps by Ferrante. But the conditional is a must: the chances of seeing the same eleven who beat the Halberds again are high. The only absentees are the suspended Pinato (who is serving the second round of suspension) and the injured Pastina, still undergoing rehabilitation after surgery. «What do I expect as an extra step? Better reading of game situations.”
Defensive attention will be fundamental. The Sassari coach Alfonso Greco must forfeit the disqualified Loia and to the injured person Masala (second lines). For the rest everyone can be recruited with Ruocco in the attacking midfield behind Scotto and Fischnaller. Watch out for the right winger Mint and to Mastinu’s unpredictability if he were to take over. Virgilio di Trapani directs, his first experience with both despite being a fifth year. Assistants Iacovacci and Zanellati, fourth official Mastrodomenico from Matera. At Var Nasca from Bari and Pezzuto from Lecce.
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