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To say that I was shocked would be a massive understatement. Sitting back in my room at Ostello delle Sirene I reflected on what Mariana had just told me. It was Tuesday afternoon and I was to be at the club at midday tomorrow to meet the other staff and then the players. Here's the brief history and competition details that Mariana earlier filled me in on.
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Italian league background:
Last season Sorrento played their football in the regionalised league system called Serie D. There are 9 regions in Serie D (all containing 18 teams), with Sorrento formerly being in 'Girone G.' The next step up from here is Serie C which is actually split into 5 parts (also containing 18 teams each); Serie C1 is the upper level (itself consisting of 2 zones - Girone A & B), while Serie C2 where Sorrento will ply their trade this season is the lower level (consisting of Girone A, B, & C.). All of Serie C is known as the Professional League. Above this level is the National Professional League system of Serie A (20 clubs) and Serie B (22 clubs). Serie A is often simply referred to as the 'Football League'. There are actually a further 5 divisions below Serie D and these divisions are called Eccelenza, Promozione, Prima Categoria, Seconda Categoria and Terza Categoria.
AS Sorrento's history:
Sorrento are a post-war team formed in 1945. The first 20 years or so was spent bouncing up and down the Promozione division until, finally, in the 1967-68 season Sorrento finished top and entered the Serie D system for the first time in its history. It wasn't a long stay though as Sorrento won the Girone G Championship at the first attempt and famously got promoted to Serie C (Girone C) for the 1969-70 season - finishing a highly creditable 4th. 1970-71 however saw Sorrento claim its first Serie C title with a haul of 51 points, 1 point clear of Salernitana, and promotion to Serie B for 1971-72. Life was tough in Serie B however (it contained the likes of Lazio, Palermo, Bari, and Brescia), and Sorrento finished in the bottom 3 and were relegated. Spending the 1970s in Serie C mid-table obscurity, the end of the 1977-78 season saw Serie C get split into its two levels present today and Sorrento were one of eight teams to be dropped into Serie C2 for 1978-79. More glory came in 1985-86 when Sorrento finished as runners-up to Licata in the Serie C2 Girone D division, and moved back up into Serie C1. This season proved to be a disaster though and Sorrento finished rock bottom and were relegated once more. The fall didn't stop there though and Sorrento found itself back in the minor Promozione division in 1991-92, a system it had left in the 1960s. It wasn't until the 1998-99 season that Sorrento forced its way back into Serie D. 2003-04 was one of the better seasons for Sorrento, after ending the season 5th hence gaining a Serie C play-off place they went on to win the play-offs and have successfuly re-entered the Serie C2 in Girone C.
All history is true and accurate except for the last line which had been amended to fit the story line
Sorrento were back in the Serie C for the first time in 15 years and they seemed determined to make it more than a flash of a season. Interestingly I also discovered that not only does Mariana work at the club in a clerical role, she is also club chairman Antonio Castellano's youngest daughter. Once she had divulged that I wasn't planning on murdering or even stalking her I soon noticed a glint of interest beyond the common courtesy offered previously. Steady on man. Having been offered a lifeline for my career I wasn't about to throw it away for a woman. Think about it - a month ago I was working in the comfort of the supermarket, the one job I had held since I was seventeen. It had never dawned on me that my career may me away from the stocked shelves of aisle three. A football coach. It just shows how life can throw you an opportunity and you can just run with it. My old coach in the Uni thirds had convinced me to do a couple of coaching certificates when I injured my knee three years ago. Thankfully I’d kept myself registered and now it looked like my first coaching experience was about to begin.
That night I was so nervous but I didn't really want to spend the night on my own again just mulling over the first day's training. I walked down to Da Gigino for a pizza and decided I would waste away a few hours chatting to Pepe one of the pizza makers while he worked. One thing I’ve noticed since being back in Italy is that most Italians won't let a little thing like work get in the way of a good conversation. I couldn't help but explain my situation to Pepe. The smile on his face was contagious. Pepe was excited, he told me how last season the players would come down to Da Gigino after the game for a good feed and wind down. He assured me not to make any waves with La Scala and just agree with anything and everything he says and I should be right.
Well my first meeting with the staff and players seemed to go alright today. After an awkward introduction by Mariana I eventually managed to convince assistant manager Catello di Somma that I could actually speak quite a bit of Italian albeit to the apparent humour of the entire club every time I opened my mouth. It must be the dialect. The Sorrentini as a whole seem to think it's more likely that it's just my lack of culture. I think they are joking. The rest of the staff seem quite welcoming, the backroom consists of just one physio, one scout, two coaches (three if you include me) and Catello the assistant manager. All the staff bar the coach Mario Capace live in the countryside just out of town - apparently it's what you do when you have the money to do so. Mario is more of a fan of the sea and he tells me his apartment just off Piazza Tasso in town is the place to be if I ever need a local to burden with my miserable existence. I hope he was just taking the piss.
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Pino La Scala - Manager
A stern but professional man, La Scala is the leader at this club. Upon first impressions it seems everything he says is gospel and his actions are never questioned. The chairman Antonino Castellano appears to be a firm La Scala believer and he is said to have sacked staff, players and officials on the spot for doubting the managers judgment. L Scala is concerned with just one thing at this club and that is winning. Winning at all costs.
Catello Di Somma - Assistant Manager
At 37 Di Somma is quite young for a senior managerial role in Italy however his role at the club is more or less to manage the clubs playing group and to ensure that they are all fit and prepared for each match. From what I’ve seen Catello is a very matesy kind of guy. He is as concerned with getting along with the players as he is actually coaching them. If La Scala is the bad cop (stern task-master) then Di Somma is definately the good cop. Born and bred in the Campania region Catello has lived in Sorrento for the last few years since his playing career ended.
Antonino Cinque - Coach
Cinque is actually much closer to La Scala than Di Somma and his role is more or less to be the voice of the manager when La Scala cannot be involved for various reasons. La Scala treats him like a son and at 39 he's about the right age. A determined and disciplined figure Antonino seems quite quiet but he is more of a 'sit back and look at things' kind of coach.
Mario Capace - Coach
Now I come to the most interesting member of the coaching group. What Mario doesn't know about Italian football isn't worth knowing. At 42 he is the senior coach behind La Scala although the two rarely actually converse these days. Apparently Capace disturbed the manager a little a couple of season's back when he suggested that he could do a much better job with the calibre of players in the club's books. A furious La Scala insisted that Capace be sacked but the stubborn Roman insisted he see out his contract. In this time he then managed to convince the chairman that it was in fact his tactical nous that had propelled the club up the Serie D ladder rather than La Scala's. Mario obviously an intelligent (if somewhat cocky) man had the chairman Castellano twisted around his finger before the season was out and he ensured that not only would his future at the club be guaranteed but that La Scala's contract would not be renewed beyond 2005. Of course La Scala knew nothing of this.
Giancarlo Colonna - Physio
From what I’m told no-one actually knows how long the 53 year old Colonna has been at the club. Undoubtedly the longest serving club official he is well liked and a very popular figure around town and not just within the football circles. His physio clinic in town is the only one for miles so I’m sure I’ll see him outside of the club before to long.
Giampaolo Grilli - Scout
From what I’ve seen Grilli is the only scout at the club and from what the players say he doesn't actually do anything. In some sort of gentleman's agreement he is on the books and just tends to float around the club collecting balls and practice cones whenever a training session is being run. I think with a club this size they tend to wait for the players to come to them rather than actively scouting too much.
Wow haze.13! You are indeed a great spinner of stories. Increadibly creative. I will be interested to see how you handle the match and season commentary. Your style has great depth, and I will definately be a follower from here on out.
Cheers uskopite! I'm enjoying the writing and since i've become bored with just playing for the fun of it i've decided that the story will drive the gameplay along. Hopefully!!
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After briefly chatting with the staff the first of the players started arriving for today's fitness session. Marcello Ferrara and Salvatore Buonomo were apparently always the first to arrive and they were the first I was introduced to. Sal immediately assured me that if I stuck close to Marcello then I would settle in quickly, Ferrara is the fans favourite and he is equally well regarded by the staff and his team-mates. As if this was some kind of challenge Marcello bit back claiming that Sal as the club captain is surely more popular than he is. After these two headed to the rooms the coach Capace explained that those two are the heart and soul of the club and they know it and love it. They live for Sorrento Calcio.
My first session at the club ended relatively incident free and I feel that I contributed well for my first real involvement, with the clubs first friendly fixture scheduled for this Sunday we have another session on Thursday afternoon before a final Saturday morning run. Along with what I’ve witnessed today Capace has given me a run down on the entire current playing squad.
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AS Sorrento Squad 2004/05
Goalkeeper
Ciro Ambra - GK - 28 years old
Being the only keeper at the club presently Ambra is guaranteed the first team role between the sticks. He's been at the club for the past three seasons and has been a solid keeper at Serie D level however the step up may test him. Without being an outstanding keeper he is always professional, determined and focused.
Defenders
Marcello Ferrara - D RL - 29
As I mentioned earlier a real crowd favourite, last season in his first at the club Ferrara played an integral part in the promotion campaign. A rock solid fullback who always gets the job done and is rarely beaten out wide, he continually puts the team ahead on himself and significantly he has higher league experience in the Serie B with Crotone.
Pietro Cascone - D RC - 21
As a youngster Cascone joined Sorrento three seasons ago from his hometown club of Brescello. Under La Scala he has developed into a solid squad member and whilst he may not be the quickest player at the club he possesses physical strength and composure beyond his years. More than likely a backup player at this level but in a small squad every player has a role to play.
Fabio Aruta - D L - 19
In his first season at the club Aruta has impressed throughout the pre-season. A focused defender with excellent tackling skills he looks set to start at left back when the season kicks off. It's great to see a local product of Sorrento come through to the club and his work rate and determination will be an asset to the team.
Vincenzo Di Pinto - D L - 19
Also in his first season, Di Pinto will have to battle Aruta for the left back position and although he is quicker than Aruta he lacks the technical aspects in his game. Another local product he has shown attacking flair in training and may be used further up the pitch if required.
Leonardo Gargiulo - D C - 20
Another young defender who looks set to figure heavily in the first team, Gargiulo spent a season away from Sorrento on loan at Isernia in the regional competition and he appears to have learnt from that experience. At just 20 he will anchor the back four, a very strong header of the ball and reasonably quick for his height Gargiulo is expected to demonstrate the vigor and aggression to succeed in the Serie C2.
Luigi Pezzella - D C - 24
Probably the least impressive of the defenders on show, Pezzella has been at the club since 2001 and has yet to break into the first team. With the current squad depth he looks like breaking in whether he's good enough or not and it will be testing to see the hard-working but uninspirational defender step up to the next level.
Midfielders
Alfonso Contabile - M R - 21
An agile right winger, Contabile played a big part in Sorrento's successful promotion push last season and now in his third season after graduating through the local system. Without being flashy he is a consistent midfielder who always gets hold of the ball and generally he knows what do with it. A first teamer without a doubt.
Giovanni Marciano - M L - 22
In his first pre-season with the senior side Marciano has established himself as a tenacious and hard working winger. He is likely to struggle to be a regular first teamer but has the qualities to impact well off the bench. Just today we saw a demonstration of his tenacity - whether it be positive or not he managed to get in a harmless scuffle with another feisty character the captain Buonomo. Today was just a fitness session to so I look forward to seeing him in some competitive stuff.
Giulio Russo - M L - 28
Born in Meta just a few kilometres from Sorrento, Russo has returned to his home after stints away with both Juve Stabia and Nuovo Nardo. Last season Russo led the side well down the left with his marauding runs and silky passing. As one of the more experienced members of the squad Russo is expected to lead from the front this season.
Salvatore Buonomo - M C - 26
The club captain and emotional leader of the club, Buonomo arrived at the start of last season as a hard-nosed midfielder from lower league club Terzigno and immediately stamped his class on the side. Not only claiming the captaincy by his emotional performances over the early season but then going on to lead the club to an inevitable promotion. No real flare about his game but he does pretty much everything well. The holding midfielder personified.
Antonio Esposito - M C - 19
Another youngster in his first season after progressing through the system, Esposito will no doubt add depth off the bench but is unlikely to be a starter too often. Still learning his craft I hope Buonomo and Russo can teach him some good habits. At such a young age he has a great opportunity in this side.
Forwards
Alberico Guariglia - S C - 30
As the oldest player in a young squad Guariglia's role up front is crucial. He will not only be relied on to shoulder the burden of leading the goal scoring he will also be required to nurture our youngsters along side him. A crafty striker Guariglia has made his career sharking goals and will be expected to do more of the same this season, brave and aggressive he never shies away from a challenge.
Carlo Balzamo - S C - 17
When I talk about the likes of Guariglia and Buonomo mentoring the youngsters it is the likes of Balzamo that I am referring to. At just 17 Balzamo has that flashy nonchalance that many great Italian strikers have possessed in the past and his game can only progress from the raw condition that he comes to the club in. One of the brightest lights in this young squad, he will impact off the bench and may even force his way as a starter before too long.
Vincenzo Di Ruocco - S C - 17
The youngest of the lot, Di Ruocco is the quickest of our current strikers however his finishing leaves a lot to be desired at this early stage of his career. Importantly he knows how good he is and knows how good he can be so I look forward to witnessing his development over the next couple of seasons.
Antonio Zito - S C - 18
After starting most of last season as a 17 year old Zito may find himself pushed back down the pecking order with the competition from new youngsters Di Ruocco and Balzamo. More or less a distraction last season next to Guariglia, Zito is not yet the natural goal scorer the club had hoped he'd develop into. But time is on his side and he will for now add depth to the squad.
Alessandro Maraucci - S C - 24
The true combatant best describes Maraucci. All that he lacks in class and finish he makes up for with drive and determination. Technically he may struggle at this level but he will always leave his entire game on the pitch regardless of the situation. A good bench player at this level.
Dario De Simone - S C - 19
Without a doubt the least impressive of the young strikers. De Simone who progressed through Regina's youth ranks before coming to Sorrento a last season, he has struggled to make any impact in his time here. Despite unnerving courage the feeling around the club is that Dario could be looking elsewhere to play this season.
I sat in the comfort of Parruchiano, a restaurant on Corsa Italia not far down from the Communale Italia. The entire playing squad and staff were here, Parruchiano were a club sponsor and the meal the night before every home match this season will be held here. It was the Saturday night before the clubs first pre-season friendly at home. Next to me sat Mario Capace, the man who over the past few days had become the closest thing I had to a friend here in Sorrento. The atmosphere was buzzing and after a couple of solid late week training sessions I was beginning to feel that I was a real part of the club. Capace assured me that he had put in a good word for me with Castellano the chairman and that he was very confident that the paperwork would be on the table first thing Monday morning. I still couldn't help but be doubtful about the whole situation. Whilst I’m sure Capace is being honest with me I haven't spoken a word to Castellano, the man with whom my future here in Sorrento really lies. At the table I was awoken from my ramblings by the manager Pino La Scala throwing himself across the table towards Capace.
Back in Capace's apartment with the scent of Espresso wafting through the lounge I tried to piece together what had just happened less than an hour ago down at Parruchiano. Apparently while I was pondering my future now being in the hands of Castellano - Capace was seen by La Scala to be whispering mischievously in my ear - leading to La Scala (by now travelling quite well on the vino) shouting across the room at Capace something obviously questioning his sexual preference. I'm guessing that if Capace hadn't responded to this by claiming La Scala's 19 year old daughter Gianna could vouch for his sexuality, then maybe La Scala wouldn't have tried to put his fist through Capace's face. Anyway Capace did say that (all true he assures me!) and La Scala attempted to put his fist through Capace's face before Marcelo Ferrara restrained his manager. At that point Capace decided now would be a good time to leave the restaurant. Myself and a few of the players now sat at Capace's - the skipper Buonomo along with Maraucci, Ambra and Russo decided to make sure that the big Roman Capace cooled down a bit. Surprisingly it seemed the last thing Mario Capace needed was to be calmed down, he was as calm as he ever was. In fact there was almost a wry smile evident as he relaxed in his brown leather lounge.
As everyone left Capace's we knew that tomorrow would be a big day at Sorrento Calcio.
We - the coaching staff - had been called to the chairman's office just a matter of hours before the kick-off of our first real hit out for the season. After last nights drama no-one has seen or heard from Pino La Scala. Castellano and Mariana have been calling him all morning and now Mariana is driving out to see if he's there and if he is then why the hell isn't here. La Scala's puppet in the coaching staff, Antonino Cinque insists that he has not heard from the manager since they parted at Parruciano late last night and we should calm down and start preparing for the match at 3pm against Serie D side Savoia. Castellano informs us that assistant manager Catello Di Somma would manage the side today and there would be no debating the matter. Capace and I were very quiet after last nights encounter and personally I was pleased that Di Somma would lead the team. Anything that takes the attention away from Capace would surely better my cause to play some permanent part in the coaching group.
Di Somma calmly addressed the players explaining that due to personal reasons La Scala would not be at today’s match. The starting eleven would see Ambra in goals - Ferrara, Gargiulo, Pezzella and Aruta across the back - Costabile, Buonomo, Esposito and Russo in midfield - with Guariglia and Di Ruocco up front. All remaining squad players would be on the bench and everyone will get on the pitch today at some point.
Buonomo opened the scoring on 20 minutes in what was to be free flowing affair with a delightfully flighted free kick past the stranded Savioa keeper. Then just 4 minutes later Russo worked well down the left before cutting the ball back to the other winger Costabile who clinically finished from just a few yards out. Late in the first half Savioa pulled one back through Ingenito with a classic thirty yard strike that was too hot for Ambra. After numerous changes the second half saw a few chances either way in an evenly fought match, on the hour mark Ingenito set up Bagnara to equalise for Savioa. Then with just over 10 minutes left Savioa took the lead when Sieno drove home a stunning winner from just inside the box. In a match that had started so promisingly we had thrown away a two goal lead, but the score line wasn't important really. Ferrara and second half substitute Cascone were excellent at the back whilst Russo created the spark in midfield before being substitute and Buonomo held together the centre of the park well. The major disappointment would have to be Ambra's performance in goal, I was not surprised to overhear Di Somma and Castellano discussing the desperate need for a new keeper and quickly.
If today's match was to be a sign of what this side was capable of it could well be a frustrating season here in Sorrento. Interestingly after the match I sat down to speak with the chairman Castellano and he made it pretty clear that unless La Scala showed his face soon there would be instant changes. La Scala has had his own way too often in recent years and this may be the perfect time to change the way things are done at this club. It seemed Castellano had been pushed far enough by the antics of the manager and this was the last straw.
Mariana missed the entire match today after an eventful afternoon out at La Scala's property outside of town. Not only was his grand residence apparently empty it looked like no-one had been there all day. Just as she was about to leave Mariana spotted La Scala's daughter Gianna walking back towards the house, she'd been away in Positano this weekend and had rushed home today after receiving a strange phone message from her father. Apparently after last nights incident La Scala and Castellano had a major spat after Castellano refused to justify the manager’s actions, Castellano had spent the last three seasons protecting him and now he's just had enough it seems. After refusing to back him against Capace last night La Scala finally realised that the chairman did not believe in him anymore - it was the beginning of the end - La Scala told his daughter what had happened and that he was leaving for Naples first thing so that he could clear his head and work out his options. The club would find out in time. I guess now was the time then. Mariana's news left the entire club in shock, everyone that is with the exception of Castellano and Capace who seemed more than happy with the way things had panned out.
Assistant manager Di Somma will continue in charge until a new fulltime manager could be organised. Castellano made it quite clear that he was after a high profile manager who has experience at Serie C level at the bare minimum. The search would start immediately with the position being advertised across the country tomorrow morning.
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