Empoli, Marianini: "Normal difficulties, but unity is needed to overcome them"

by Simone Cioni EMPOLI The first enterprise of theEmpoli in Neapolitan land is dated February 17, 2008 when Alberto Malesani's team won 3-1. That afternoon on the field there was also Francesco Marianini, four seasons in blue for 125 appearances with 6 goals and 7 assists and currently president of Asd Calci 2016, the club of his native town.

Marianini, Empoli's situation has become difficult... "Yes, and I'm sorry. In recent years Empoli had perhaps accustomed us to a slightly more relaxed salvation, but it's part of the normality of a club that is doing a great job and has become an example. I understand the fans who booed, but I think that certain difficulties at Empoli must be taken into account and only by sticking together can we overcome them".

The great start has probably deceived the environment a little? "It can happen, the start was excellent, beyond expectations, but Empoli is still there and the team has shown that they fight every game".

The many injuries have certainly had an impact... "Having to deal with so many absences is tough for anyone, let alone for Empoli who have a smaller squad. However, it is necessary to put negativity aside and try to be positive, even if I understand it is not easy".

Meanwhile, on the horizon there is the prohibitive transfer of Napoli... "Both teams have a lot to play for, Napoli is very strong and the Maradona will be a cauldron, but we'll still start from zero."

His Empoli was the first to accomplish the feat under Vesuvius... "I remember it well, after a normal initial difficulty we put in a great performance with a splendid performance by Buscè, I also played as a starter, it was a great satisfaction but, unfortunately, useless for salvation. That year we made beautiful away wins and home games were more subdued, these are situations in which the ball is burning and it is not easy to take the field with serenity, but as the current Empoli will have to do, concentration and compactness are needed".

What memories do you have of your experience with the Azzurri? "They were four wonderful years, the first perhaps the most beautiful because I was coming from two negative years at Lecce and I entered on tiptoe in a midfield where there were players like Almiron, Moro, Ficini. I was lucky that Cagni appreciated me a lot. We also achieved the historic qualification for the UEFA Cup".

Some have criticized the choices of the Coppa Italia semi-final, comparing them to the return match in Zurich where the reserves were also deployed, what do you think? "I'm sure that by facing Zurich with the starters also in the return match we could have passed the round, I understand the position of the club, but on these occasions I think they should have tried harder because they are important showcases for clubs, cities and players".

How is the adventure as president going? "The next one will be the tenth year and I'm very happy, not to stay in the world of professionalism was a choice, I invested in the structures and we have grown a lot in terms of numbers. It absorbs me completely and I try to pass on my passion to kids full of dreams. But for the future I don't rule out anything".