Rossonera Gallery
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 9:14 am
by Gianluca Andreuccetti
An indelible memory. The Lucchese of the 90s will forever remain in the hearts of all Rossoneri fans. Of all generations. A team that, after promotion from the third series, even came close to Serie A in 1991, coming just two points away from the top flight. Those were times when everyone was enchanted by the way Orrico’s men played. One of the symbolic players of those years was Giampaolo Pinna. Originally from Mores, a town in the province of Sassari, he took his first steps in Olbia and then moved to Lucchese in 1990, at the specific request of Mr. Orrico. During his career, he played for several years in Serie B and Serie C, also wearing the Carrarese shirt among others. After hanging up his boots in 2006 he not only embarked on a career as a goalkeeping coach, but also decided to open his own academy in Marina di Massa. Giampaolo Pinna gave an interview to our microphones. Here are his words.
What memories do you have of your experience with the Rossoneri?
“They were two wonderful years, the best of my career. The match that left the biggest impression on me was the Italian Cup final won at the “Renzo Barbera” against Palermo. An indelible memory.”
What was Lucchese missing to go to Serie A?
“There is no particular reason. A mix of factors: from multiple suspensions to Simonetta’s injury, unavailable at the crucial moment of the season. Some missteps played a role, such as the draw at home against Barletta. In that season (1990-91 ed.) we had all it took to aspire to the top flight.”
One of the symbols of the journey from Serie C to Serie B was certainly Mr. Orrico…
“I had a wonderful relationship with him. After winning the Serie C2 with Carrarese in 1988, he decided to accept the Rossoneri’s court, doing everything he could to take me with him. In 1990, the deal finally went through and I then moved to Lucchese. That year, in addition to me, Simonetta, Montanari and Russo also arrived: all additions that allowed us to win the Serie C championship.”
The strongest attacker you played against?
“I made my debut in the academy playing against Abel Balbo (formerly of Roma, ed.), who was playing for Udinese at the time. Again in the 1990-91 season, I faced strong attackers of the caliber of Bruno Giordano and Gustazo Dezzotti. However, the one who put me in great difficulty was was Giovanni Cornacchini, a center forward capable of scoring several goals for me in both Serie C and Serie B.”
Does Lucchese always follow you?
“Like all my former teams, I also follow the Pantera with great pleasure. A month ago, I was at the Porta Elisa to watch the derby between Lucchese and Carrarese. Not only that: on the same day of the match, together with some historic fans of the Curva Ovest, I visited the Rossoneri museum.”
An opinion on the Panther season?
“Salvation was a small consolation: Lucchese can do something more. I hope that the club builds a more competitive squad and is able to aspire to other positions in the rankings. Lucca deserves a high-level team.”
Speaking of Serie C, is there a goalkeeper who has amazed you this year?
“The third series has always been an interesting stage for all fullbacks. To be honest, I really appreciated Bleve della Carrarese: he knows how to play with his feet and is able to give peace of mind to his defenders.”
Why do Italian goalkeepers struggle to find space in the first teams?
“Italy has one of the most important schools of extreme defenders in the world. Instead of giving space to 16/17 year olds, as happened to Buffon and Donnarumma, many clubs prefer to focus on foreign profiles. A choice that I personally don’t agree with: a young goalkeeper cannot be judged on the basis of the mistakes he makes, but on the qualities and potential he has.”
