The coach who managed to bring the gialloneri to their first and only championship in 2002 speaks
Towards the final, Franco Bernini charges Viadana: “He plays the best rugby, he can make history” – ph. Martina Sofo
When he was still called Arix Viadana, the gialloneri led by Franco Bernini won their first and only scudetto in the history of the Lombard club. It was 2002; since then the team has participated in three other finals, however no longer managing to bring the tricolor to the Mantua area.
This year, however, the opportunity presents itself again: Rugby Viadana 1970 will play the Serie A Elite championship final against Petrarca on Sunday 2 June. And according to Franco Bernini, interviewed by the Voice of Mantuathis time there is the chance to replicate the historic feat done by him and his boys 22 years ago.
Read also: Serie A Elite: Viadana in the final, told by those who lead it
“It would be wonderful to update the story – said ex-coach Bernini – Many years have passed but those emotions remain etched in the memories of all of us. It was an unforgettable experience. It would be fantastic if Viadana won its second championship, I will be cheering a lot.”
Bernini still has vivid memories of the year 2002, when he led the gialloneri to their first and only tricolour: “In the final played in Rovigo against Calvisano there were many Viadana fans, it was played in a beautiful environment. And that victory was the culmination of an extraordinary journey. But the real final, if we want to say so, was the previous match against Benetton Treviso. Then the semi-final was played home and away: we lost the first in Veneto, 29-6, but then we were fantastic at reversing the situation by winning 31-14 at Zaffanella”.
“I have seen the team in action several times this year, I believe it is the one that has expressed the best rugby in the championship. It has a quality group, well led by the technical staff. In my career I have had the pleasure of coaching Gilberto Pavan, he is very prepared. Having fun and entertaining is his philosophy, which has also proven to be successful.”
“Now there is the last obstacle, the final against Petrarca, which certainly needs no introduction. You have to pay attention to Petrarca, they are an experienced team, more used to playing these one-off matches. But in the same way, anything can happen in a single race,” concluded Bernini.
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