CATANIA – They have passed more than 20 years from the historian promotion to Serie B obtained in the field of Tarantoa moment engraved in the history of Catania football under the guidance of Riccardo Gauccipresident of the Rossazzurri from 2000 to 2004.
The Riccardo Gaucci era in Catania: an “alternative” president
THE relationships hate and love with the coachesa strategy of cutting-edge scouting for the times of the time and the long judicial battle over the “Catania case” which led to the expansion of the number of participants in the championship are just some of the episodes of Gaucci as patron of the Etna people.
“President of Catania at 23 years old, a challenge for me”
“When I arrived in Catania I was very young, I came from Perugia with dad Luciano after managing the spring of the griffins. The great desire to emerge – explains Gaucci – it proved itself on the Massimino pitch. I was probably one of the youngest professional presidents in history.”
The former red and blue president remembers the wonderful welcome by the rossozzurri fans with scarves and banners atairport of Fontanarossa. I immediately understood that a great story would be born on the slopes of Etna.
From the penalty of Ambrosi’s discord to Eddy Baggio’s scream against Taranto
“My first year of managing in Catania didn’t start very well, – underlines the former patron – with the arrival of Guerini as a coach we managed to do one series of victories consecutive ones that projected us to the third place in Serie C1. Self Ambrosi had not made a mistake penalty at home against Palermo we probably would have finished first.”
From disappointment to joy for the rediscovered Serie B, a battle with a winner at Iacovone: “Fortunately in 2001-2002after building a great team, the Serie B dream following the double battle against the Taranto. Many players came from the defeat of the previous year and there was a particularly high atmosphere to return to the football that counts, more incentives to obtain redemption. The team came behind the companythe most striking example is that of Eddy Baggio which gives a shoulder to Bonomi And he shouts to charge his companionssomething never seen before for the calmness shown by the number 7 from Etna“.
Riccardo Gaucci’s unbridled celebration towards the Etna curve
“Peppe Mascara and Lulù Oliveira are my gems. Nakata a bet won”
“I am particularly attached to two footballers who passed through Catania: one is Lulu Oliveira while the other bears the name of Peppe Mascara. When the ds Angelozzi he mentioned the possibility of taking Mascara injured from Genoa and I didn’t hesitate for a second. Ultimately, Peppe “PlayStation” Mascara proved to be one of the best players of that period in an Italy that was full of champions.”
A small parenthesis to remember for the originality of the transfer is certainly the one linked to the purchase of Hidetoshi NakataJapanese midfielder personally followed by his brother and purchased by Perugia for 7 and a half billion lire. He was subsequently sold to Roma, recording a significant capital gain… a risky bet won.
Catania-Martinelli case: “The Football Federation continues to admit the mistake”
“Regarding the much talked about Catania or Martinelli case, if I could go back I would retrace all the crucial stages of this path towards justice. In those moments we were attacked by the entire football systemthe Catania case is a topic still in vogue in law classrooms. The Federation itself still admits today that what was then a sensational mistake on the part of the Football Federation. I deployed all the forces available to defend my team, a move sensationally hit Perugia, leading them to relegation“.
“I didn’t want to sack Toshack. About Graziani and Pellegrino I say…”
“Great relationships they were born with the coach John Toshackin 2002-2003. I found myself arguing with my father over his exemption. I believe that with the Welshman the team would have achieved a peaceful salvation, he was followed and the expressed football was not below our standards. Others two men I’m close to bear the surname of Graziani and Pellegrino by virtue of the play-off win against Taranto” 
In the photo: John Toshack, Gennaro Monaco, Riccardo Gaucci and Ciccio Graziani
Catania on retreat in Assisi in July: “Perfect environment for the physical and mental component”
The new Catania also passes through withdraw which will be held in the month of July Assisicity of the team of which Gaucci is currently president.
“The environment of Assisi is very stimulating for physical and mental preparation of the current Catania FC. The grassy cover of the stadium is in excellent condition despite not having a cutting-edge structure. Another something more is undoubtedly the city of Assisi, one of the most beautiful in Italy and the world. It will be hot during the day but being under the Mount Subasio will guarantee afresh air for a better rest. Still we don’t know the exact start date of the retreat, probably around 12-13 July“.
Football from a sport to a complex global phenomenon”
“From the early 2000s to the present day, football has undergone a transformation from a sport to a complex global phenomenon, the most obvious aspect is undoubtedly the economic one. When we had Perugia in Serie A – tells – I remember an almost unbridgeable gap with the famous teams, now even the small teams take one mutuality almost the same as the others. Previously – concludes Riccardo Gaucci – our policy was based on search for unknown players to enhance to fight with economically stronger societies“.
