The tension vanished 1′ from the end of Sunday’s match, when Virtus had a 7-point advantage against Melsped Padova which, added to the 8 points won in the first leg, put the Cagliaritan team in a bind and more simply in series A2. It disappeared almost by magic because coach Staico, instead of screaming and jumping, wanted to thank those who had helped him win this new challenge in his career. The first “5” were for Fabrizio Zirone and Cicci Cinus, his deputies and then the girls hugged one by one and immediately after water balloons, kisses and more hugs.
Fabrizio Staicowhat feelings did you feel on Sunday evening at the end of the match won against Padova which marked Virtus’ return to A2?
“A great emotion! It’s my third senior championship concluded with a jump in category to a national level, yet another joy, with an unexpected personal redemption that cannot be described!! It was a magical year in terms of cohesion, serenity and determination”.
A great adventure that began in September 2023 and ended with the apotheosis. Right?
“Wonderful, intense months, full of work, fun and, in the end, also joy. We all traveled in the same direction, even when difficult moments could arise, we didn’t neglect respect for the group and all the people around to the first team. We have all built a magnificent atmosphere together which, for those who work in this sector, know well that it is not a given.”
A season in which all the pieces of the puzzle fit together beautifully?
“Exactly. Personally and humbly I say that everything was easier, because you have to recognize that a bit of luck along the way helps, especially in meeting the right people and my luck was precisely this.”
Starting with the girls who shared this journey with you and your collaborators?
“I certainly start from my players, available and exemplary in their journey, to end with my collaborators who supported me and the team. In particular, I want to mention Simone Porta and Gianmarco Inconi who constantly monitored every detail of physical construction and recovery ,”.
And then?
“Fabrizio Zirone, an emerging coach of great human and technical depth, Ciccio Cinus who underwent and supported every action of mine on the pitch with extreme dedication. Not to mention my confessor friend Alberto Bonu, the one who constantly heard the worst part of myself”.
But in this promotion there is also the signature of all Virtus? corporate structures.
“Exactly. In fact, to be successful you need to have a team, even if small, off the field!! Above all, an exemplary president, fortunately rational, present and involved in every situation like Paolo Pellegrini. And again it is my duty to mention and thank Tiziana Giannotti, a responsible manager attentive to every organizational aspect. And then Sonia Cirronis our protector and savior in every problem; then all the responsible managers involved in the path of our girls, starting from the youngest to the most experienced and therefore as not mention Salvatore Zoncheddu, Riccardo Dessi and Alessandra Angius!! And finally, let’s not forget the media importance that has developed more this year thanks to Massimo Musanti, Marco Pellegrini and Alessandra Angius”.
All the girls said that it was a promotion that came thanks to the value of the group. Statements also confirmed by coach Staico?
“Undoubtedly. The victory achieved on Sunday evening was not only the victory of a team but of the entire Virtus Cagliari club. If I have forgotten anyone, I apologize”
To conclude?
“I conclude by hoping that, given how things have been experienced, it will be an example of a peaceful continuity, especially when we face more competitive and consequently more complex situations in their management! Thank you for everything!”.
