Perugia-Pontedera: a challenge without shocks, but with eyes on the play-offs

It could have been a very attractive challenge. A race to win a place in the play off, a goal that is achievable given the eleven places available. Even if through the back door, entering the play-offs would have alleviated in part the bitterness of a year without surprises. It could have been a fascinating challenge also for the interpreters on the bench: on the one hand Vincenzo Cangelosi, Zeman's historic "vice" (with the Bohemian coach, a professional relationship for more than thirty years) and on that of PontederaInstead, Leonardo Menichini, for many seasons (from 1991 to 2003 and then again in 2005-2006) Carletto Mazzone's sidekick, even in the adventure at Perugia in the 1999-2000 season. Two different philosophies, those of Zeman and Mazzone but two great protagonists of Italian football who have told important pages.

In the shadow of two still cumbersome coaches, Cangelosi and Menichini at a certain point choose to travel alone. The Grifo coach for a few seasons, while Menichini's career as head coach began a few years ago. They will face each other for a challenge that has little to tell: the red and whites are out of the game while Pontedera has secured a place in the play-offs with a week to spare. "Mathematical safety with three days to go and the play-offs with one round to go, I would say it has been an exceptional season - said Menichini -. We go to Perugia to play our game and then we'll see who we'll face in the play-offs. We want to continue having fun".

Yes, have fun. The Perugia will be called to close the season with dignity. There will be a greeting from the team to the fans, fans who were also absent in Campobasso due to the travel ban. But who will be present in the stands of the Curi. And surely, after a championship of great support from the Curva to the team, even in the less exciting moments, tomorrow it seems difficult to foresee applause for the red and white group.