DS Matteo Patti | Conferenza stampa | Ascoli Calcio

This morning, Sporting Director Matteo Patti held a press conference at the Del Duca Stadium, outlining the technical program for the 26/27 season: "It's a kick-off conference, useful for drawing a line under the previous season, which brought enormous enthusiasm. Last year, we started on a calm note, and by the end, we had an almost unmanageable wave. Now we must restart from our foundations, from what we've created and nurtured thanks to all of you. We need to make a point—otherwise we risk undermining all the work we've done—because we're preparing to experience a different category, with a higher level, and we must maintain a very high level of focus. A year ago, there was the presentation of the new club, mine and the Coach's, and we were almost in the dark, with a hint of recklessness, which then proved to be successful in the triumphant ride. Today, a year later, we must continue to be reckless; recklessness doesn't preclude enthusiasm and doesn't undermine the foundations we've laid, but gives us the strength to be ready to face the challenges we face. lightness in facing a tough and difficult championship like Serie B, a category in which we must prove we can compete." The DS then responded to journalists' questions about his and the Coach's contract renewal: "With the Passeri family, there was no doubt about continuing together. We had decided that some time ago, but we were focused on the path we were taking and, therefore, we had decided not to announce the news. Then the signatures and the deposit of the contracts were just formalities. We are very happy and pleased to continue on this path." The discussion then shifted to the technical side: "The category requires 18 players aged 2002 and older to be included in the list. We have 24-25 players and it goes without saying that several must be 'released,' an ugly expression because these are guys who have given us so much and whom we will thank for what they have done, but we will have to make room for other additions. We will make thoughtful choices, for the good of Ascoli, trying to make as few mistakes as possible. It goes without saying how fond we are of Rizzo Pinna, on a human, professional, and technical level. With him, it's not that we couldn't make an effort; the President has never set limits, but the effort can be made by giving things their true value. Ascoli will never do anything excessive compared to their real value. It's normal that Andrea is part of another team and that they can decide and ask for anything, but we won't submit to conditions we don't consider suitable. De Pieri is a sought-after player, and we hope he will show it." His value to Ascoli if the deal goes through. It's normal for there to be a stalemate because young players are coveted. We have some of our own, and we'll try to sign those we see room for growth. I think we'll be able to close the deal in the end. The boy is very focused on what he should do at Ascoli, and we also have a great relationship with Inter. The rules say to sign several young players, and we're focusing on that, but we won't dismantle the 14-15 players who have had the most playing time." A year after his presentation conference, Sports Director Patti feels a change: "Ascoli is restructuring everything we've found, we mustn't forget what we've been doing since we took office. There's enthusiasm, and it needs to be fueled, but today we're different people, myself included. We can't be the almost frightened people we were a year ago, fearful of what might happen, even though that fear, silently, has led us to grow and, even recklessly, to make an impressive run. Today we're aware of the progress we've made, but, to avoid risks, I'd like to be someone who still has that hint of healthy fear in facing the new category." Regarding transfer strategies, he stated: "The idea is to build a team with a relatively young average age to build a legacy. Some players have played in Serie B; they have the confidence and strength to become reliable players in a higher division. Their attitude must be one of focus and dedication to their work. We're evaluating the goalkeepers; there are some players who will be leaving, like Raffaelli, who wanted to leave at all costs last year; further evaluations will follow. As I said last year, the one who can convince Ascoli that they can continue their journey with him will stay. It must be said that my consideration is general, because no one wants to leave here; D'Uffizi himself remained in the city and absolutely doesn't want to leave. Gorica, Lo Scalzo, and Caucci will return from their loans; we're evaluating how much space to give them; I think they could be evaluated during the training camp."