The 2023-24 competitive journey of the Giallorossi Juniores ended with a 2-2 draw against Livorno. A path closed with head held high. In fact, the boys coached by Andrea Camanzi, after finishing in 2nd place in their group, surpassed only by Piacenza, distinguished themselves, winning the playoffs and performing well in the national phase of the championship, up to the threshold of the semi-final. Mister Camanzi, now destined to join the Sanpaimola bench in Eccellenza, seemed satisfied with the two-year journey.
Mister, could we have done better?
“It was a very positive season. In terms of sporting results it went well, among other things, we won the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row, last year with an under-age team. In the final phase we showed that we be superior to both Treviso and Livorno, and we could have achieved more.”
How do you rate the season?
“They were two very similar seasons and the best memories are equally so, namely the successes gained and deserved against the top of the class. Furthermore, we managed to remain united in moments of difficulty, highlighting an extraordinary group”.
Can we quantify the satisfaction, in this two-year period, for having ‘launched’ several athletes into the first team?
“There was a very intense collaboration with the ‘first team’; a continuous relationship with the sporting director Grammatica, with mister Gadda and with the goalkeeping coach Dadina. Some nice surprises arrived, with many debuts and, in particular, that of Calandrini , who made 12 appearances.”
What is the step to overcome to make this leap from junior to first team?
“It depends on the ‘first team’ you relate to. We have always tried to think as if we were a first team. From a mental point of view, the importance of the result was new, although it was not imposed as a condition. It was an ‘intelligent’ team journey, with the group able to understand the moment of the match, appropriately modulated between good play and result.” Vinci, who then moved to Mezzolara, and Calandrini were ‘promoted’ to the first team. What evaluation can you give?
“Calandrini was benefited by the space there was in his role. But then he was good at exploiting the opportunity, in any role requested by Gadda, from the left winger to the right winger, up to the attacking midfielder. He is a flexible boy and ‘sensationally’ applied. Vinci on the other hand, I hope he can find the right opportunity and the deserved future, because he is a strong player, gifted with important shots.”
What is your individual assessment of these years of work in the Giallorossi?
“The most beautiful aspect was that of having created a group. This year’s group has consolidated itself so much that, I believe, it will also remain off the pitch. From an organizational point of view I have to thank the club and all the staff, starting from director Treggia, who has always given us the opportunity to express ourselves independently”.
