Play-off Bcl: challenge against Riso Scotti Pavia and solidarity initiatives at Palatagliate

Not just race one of the first round of play-off, but a series of events accompanying the match in the name of solidarity. Thus the Bcl is preparing for this afternoon's match, at 18pm, at the "Palatagliate", against Scotti Pavia rice, seventh in the championship and the "black beast" of the red and whites, defeated twice this season.

Yesterday, at the Palasport, the club illustrated, on the eve of the match, the various initiatives, starting with a commemorative t-shirt, made thanks to some sponsors and which will be on sale at the price of five euros.

"It would be wonderful – said vice-president Ugo Donati – if everyone wore it to create a unique chromatic effect in the stands". President Matteo Benigni, after hoping for a great response from the city, announced that each play-off match will be characterized by moments dedicated to social issues. "We will start – he said – with a collection of long-life foods, in collaboration with the Green Cross of Lucca, to be allocated to the "Shopping Bank“. We will also host the boys from Lucchese Calcio to show solidarity with the boys who are putting heart and soul into trying to stay in Serie “C”, despite all the difficulties of this season".

Sports director Umberto Vangelisti, joining the appeal for a palaport full of fans, recalled the difficulty of the match: "Pavia is an excellent team, built to do well. We have the possibility of playing a possible game three here again, but we have to think game by game. In the play-offs each game is different, everything is reset and the psychological aspect is crucial. This is why we ask for the support of the public".

Coach Leonardo Olivieri wanted first of all to thank the club that allowed him, his staff and the players to work all year with great serenity and concentration: "We are the first Tuscan team in the standings and the results have come thanks to this great synergy. All my players have made a leap in quality and in these two weeks we have tried to fill the gaps shown against Pavia. But we will need the public as a sixth man on the parquet". Pierini was injured on Wednesday and will most likely not be in the twelve. Tempestini has recovered and is available.

The last word is that of the captain Andrea Barsanti. "This - he said - is the best moment of the season. So far it has been excellent, but now a new championship begins. We need maximum energy: in the play-offs every detail, every ball can make the difference. We lost twice with them, but here everything changes. And we ask our fans for an additional push".

Paul Ceragioli