Fabio Liverani returns to talk about Lecce with a heart full of emotions. The former Giallorossi coach, now in Rome, retraces his path in Salento: “Three unforgettable seasons, from 2017 onwards. The city, the people, the team, the victories one after another: from Serie C to Serie A. An extraordinary sporting experience and a magical human adventure.”
From Serie C to Serie A: a historic feat Liverani has led Lecce on a triumphant path, culminating with promotion to Serie A in 2019, won with 66 points. “When I arrived, I sensed the unease of the city, which had been unable to get out of Serie C for five years. I knew how important it was to bring the team back to a category more in keeping with its history. With 22 consecutive useful results, promotion to Serie B was a liberation for all of Salento.”
A success also built thanks to the collaboration with director Pantaleo Corvino, whom we already knew from our Fiorentina days, and with president Saverio Sticchi Damiani: “A model in the national football scene.”
Lecce, a future to consolidate. Today Lecce is fighting for salvation in its third consecutive year in Serie A, a goal it has never achieved before. “It would be an extraordinary record and an immense joy for everyone. But now there is no margin for error.”
After some heavy defeats, Liverani analyzes the team’s moment: “I have seen the matches. Against Inter four goals weigh heavy, but Lecce is doing its part. With Giampaolo there is more balance. Of course, against opponents of Inter’s caliber we need to be more shrewd.”
The numbers speak for themselves: second worst defense in the league and least prolific attack with only 15 goals. “Rebic is not performing as expected, perhaps because of age or the outside role. But Banda’s prolonged absence weighs heavily.”
Parma-Lecce: crucial challenge for salvation. The upcoming challenge against Parma will be a dip into the past for Liverani, who coached the Emiliani in 2020 without luck. “Parma is a young and jaunty team, they score but concede a lot. It will be a match open to any result: the one who will better exploit others’ mistakes will win.”
With the salvation zone crowded, every direct clash becomes decisive. “The success of Empoli was fundamental for Lecce. Now they have to try again in Parma.”
Market: Dorgu away, new graft in defenseLecce has said goodbye to Dorgu, sold for a significant sum. “It was inevitable, an opportunity they could not deny him. The capital gain obtained confirms Corvino’s foresight.”
Inbound came Veiga and Gabriel to reinforce the defense. “Corvino and the company will know how to manage this final phase of the market, based on the needs that have emerged so far.”
The article Liverani: “Lecce try again in Parma” comes from Calcio Lecce.
