More than one hundred and fifty matches in Serie B, championships won in Serie C for Antonio Cinelli who decided to hang up his boots after the promotion with Catanzaro and the end of the adventure at Sangiuliano City in D. Interviewed by TuttoC.com, the former Cesena and Vicenza midfielder spoke like this about his former teams .
A championship won early for your former Cesena, have you seen something similar to your Catanzaro from last year?
“Yes, Cesena has made a truly important journey this year, the only one that has maintained the expectations of the beginning of the season. The points gained speak for themselves.”
Perhaps we expected something more from the other favorites in Group B too.
“The real disappointment in my opinion was Spal. One of the best equipped and organized teams who encountered difficulties that no one expected.”
Would you advise Cesena to start again from Toscano next year?
“Toscano deserves the chance to continue his work in Serie B. Just as Catanzaro did, the continuity of the staff and winning group was rewarded with the results on the field.”
Moving to Vicenza, you achieved promotion to Serie B as captain. What memories do you carry with you?
“Special and beautiful memories that still give me satisfaction today because the fans don’t forget.”
Did you expect the first part of the season to be complicated with Diana?
“Honestly not, because at the starting line Vicenza was among the favorites with a competitive squad and a coach up to the task, but unfortunately football teaches us that this isn’t always enough.”
The turning point with Vecchi, can he play for B?
“The pace that the team now has seems to be the prelude to a happy ending, which for good luck’s sake we won’t say too loudly.”
Did you expect this Catanzaro in B instead?
“Yes, because I know Mister Vivarini and the club. In 2022 I moved from Vicenza in Serie B to Catanzaro in Serie C. It was still in its infancy and my choice at the time was considered a gamble. In just two years we went up in Serie B, and now Catanzaro is one of the most established clubs with a future yet to be written.”
Who wins the playoffs instead?
“For good luck I won’t mention any names, I hope it’s a red and white team.”
What about your future instead?
“Last summer, after a championship won with Catanzaro, I wanted to get closer to home and I accepted an important two-year offer at SanGiuliano City in Serie D. I’ve never been afraid of challenges and I chose to move down a category believing in the project of a club which however disappointed my expectations. This led me to end my career as a footballer ahead of schedule. In July I will get my coaching license and I will see what other challenges I will face in the future.”
