Antella, now the anticipation grows: "Ready for Excellence"

It's the key week for Antella. A few more days, then the FIGC Federal Council will formalize the roster of the Serie D teams with the repechage of Zenith Prato. Decision that will open the doors of the next Excellence at Antella, which will then have to be ratified by the Tuscan Committee.

"We await the evolution of the situation with confidence – says the vice president, the lawyer Iacopo Innocenti (in the photo) – We are here. In the meantime, the technical area led by the general manager Stefano Alari together with the coach Francini is completing the team for the new season which will start on August 12th. The preparation will be carried out at Antella, while the Bagno a Ripoli facility will be used for the official matches".

Most of the historic group has been confirmed: with Sacha Manetti ('98), Niccolò Mignani ('95), Alessio Biondi ('01), Luca Grattarola ('98), Niccolò Liguori ('04), Gianluca Maresca ('93 ), Matteo Merciai ('90), Michelangelo Cipriani ('04), Matteo Picchi ('99), Alberto Lanotte ('03), in addition to captain Lapo Tacconi ('92), Dario Santucci ('99), Samuele Manetti ('02) and Gianluca Castiglione ('91). Two goalkeepers have been added to this group: Stefano Scrò ('91) and Enrico Brunelli ('86) ex Lanciotto. Then came Alessandro Arnetoli ('03) ex Figline, Matteo Zefi ('94) ex Firenze Ovest, the shares Michelangelo Batistini ('05) ex Pontassieve, Alessandro Acciai ('05) ex Montevarchi, Niccolò Pecchioli ('05) ex Sestese, Kevin Ara ('04) taken from Galluzzo, Edoardo Pareggi ('02) coming from Pontassieve.

Innocenti is clear that the market should be considered closed. "My hope is to be able to add one more element per department; we'll see in the next few days. There is enthusiasm and desire to do well. August is approaching: the time to accelerate and make the decisive push has arrived."

Giovanni Puleri