Reggina Preview/Analysis

[Reggina10Cozza]

Reggina face the coming season hoping to continue the great run of form Orlandi brought at the helm to lead them to an unlinkely salvation. After consecutive lossed to Genoa and Fiorentina the campaign looked over for Reggina and their fate secure in Serie B, however, veterans Ciccio Cozza and Nicola Amoruso showed all their class and experience to lead Reggina to securing 10 points from their last four games and ensuring top flight status for another season. This is now Reggina's seventh straight season in Serie A and ninth season in Serie A from the past decade. A phenominal achievement from a side with such limital financial resources at hand.

Foti clearly showed intent in strenghening the side over the summer, but had his hands full, with club idol Nicola Amoruso demanding a move a way from the Calabrese outfit after 3 successfull seasons from which he scored 40 league goals, also Ciccio Modesto's move to Genoa also demanded a strong signing. Foti to his credit went to work emmediately to secure the services of 'trequartista' Franco Brienza, who on loan from Palermo last season was the protagonist in the Reggina survival, Foti also secured Defender Andrea Costa from Bologna who on loan last season impressed so much that fans were calling for him to replace Modesto in the starting line up, also Bruno Cirillo was signed after impressing on loan from Levante and adds invaluable experience to the backline; Chilean Carlos Carmona arrives at Reggina from O'Higgins after great performances saw the former U/20 and U/23 Chilean Captain gain promotion to the Chilean national side and impress may suitors in his performance in the heart of midfield. Foti, with the help of the reccomendation from former Reggina captain and Chilean born Jorge Vargas secured the young Internationals signature and Reggina will hope he follows in the footsteps of current midfield foreigners Edgar Barretto and Emil Halfredsson in adapting quickly to the technical demands of the Italian first division; Signing of the summer for Foti was former Italy international Bernardo Corradi from Manchester City, Corradi will fill the void left by Amoruso, and as seen in his early performances and BOG against Grossetto in the Coppa Italia, his leadership and experience in the frontline will be invaluable to a side filtering such young stars as Christian Stuani. Brazilian signing Santos will add cover for experienced Centre Backs Cirillo, Aronica, Lanzaro, Valdez and Giosa, recent signing Alessio Sestu is highly regarded as one of the best young right sided midfielders in Italy at present and Reggina will be counting on him to be able to deliver in the top flight as he did in the Serie B.

Goalkeepers- Andrea Campagnolo has shown his worth since replacing Pelizzolli as number 1 for the Amaranto, but after an incredible first half of the season that rose speculation a national call up was being considered, a few uncharacteristic errors crept into his game which must be resolved. Christian Puggione will provid sufficient cover, and Campagnolo will know he has to perform with a talent like Puggione waiting in the wings.

Defence- In terms of Central Defenders Reggina have an embarressment of riches, now club veterans and idols, Maurizio Lanzaro, Salvatore Aronica and Bruno Cirillo will lead a line of great strength and experience, Paraguayan international Valdez, Antonio Giosa, Santos and Cosenza give Reggina great depth in this position. On the right side of defence Alvarez, and Rizzo will compete with new signing Sestu for a starting birth, and on the left Andrea Costa and Antonio Barilla give Reggina the options.

Midfield- Despite great potential in the likes of Carmona and Halfreddson, Barretto is seemingly lacking another central partner of greater experience, Tognozzi and Cascione have been used in this role but produced below par performances last season, Vigiani is rumoured to be another option in the central area, but has not played in this position for a few seasons. Missirolli adds an attacking and versatile option for Orlandi but his in-experience has been his weakness pushing for more game time.

Attack- Bernardo Corradi will lead by the front as the Prima Punta Amaranto for this season, and his experience will be vital for the frontline, Urugauayan sensation Christian Stuani will be waiting for his chance and strong form in pre-season has shown Orlandi his intent on making his mark think season; Fabio Ceravolo will add cover for the two strikers, however his preferred position is in a support role. Tre-Quartisti Brienza, Captain Ciccio Cozza and Vigiani will be the catylists in the Reggina set up and Orlandi will need big seasons from the frontmen to reach salvation.

Reggina have improved on past seasons in depth of quality in Defence and Attack, however another experienced midfielder would be a real bonus to fill the void left from Giacomo Tedesco's departure in 06/07; however if Carmona can adapt quickly to Serie A this will not be a problem. Corradi will have a good season, playing in a side that will be centred around him, hopefully he will find the belief to follow the footsteps of Amoruso who relished in the new found faith of a side that put faith in him (pynical to their system). Brienza and Cozza will have to be consistent if Reggina are to gain positive results, and young wingers Sestu and Costa will need to quickly adapt to new responsibility. Barretto will have to emulate his form from last season and lead by the front in the heart of midfield, taking under his wing young star Carmona. Cirillo and Lanzaro are the heart and soul of Reggina in defence and their combination is important for the strength of the group.

Best Starting IX-------Campagnolo
----------Lanzaro------Aronica-------Cirillo
---Sestu------------------------------------Costa
-----------------Barretto----Carmona/Halfredsson---
----------Cozza------------------Brienza-----------
----------------------Corradi

[Arjuna Ranatunga]

its been a good start for reggina to date, hopefully it follows through to the season..

FORZA AMARANTO!!!