Messina signed five new attackers in the winter transfer window and Giuseppe Tedesco , who has scored around seventy in his career and reached double figures both in 2021/22 with Altamura (12) and the following year with Varesina and Molfetta (11), will also be responsible for ensuring more goals for the department.
The start of 2026 was a shock, but ACR is already looking ahead: ” Palermo was our first match after the holidays. It was a tough defeat that we need to forget immediately, especially since we’re playing against a head-to-head match worth six points. We’re focused on Sunday, and our only focus is on Sancataldese . We’ll give it our all to leave the pitch with our heads held high.”
Romano could soon switch from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3 : “I’m at the coach’s disposal. I’ve been fortunate enough to play as a lone striker, but also in two- or three-striker formations. I’m used to changing things up; we’re working to get the most out of it. I’m starting to feel better, especially since I had a difficult start due to a serious injury.”
In fact, he only made six appearances for Nardò, two as a starter: “I was sidelined for a while, I returned in mid-November, and now I’m getting more minutes under my belt. Having good form is crucial. I played 75 minutes in Milazzo and, after being recalled for training, the full match in Palermo. Now I’ll be able to give more.”
Tedesco is making his debut in Group I after 270 games in other groups: “It’s my first experience. I’ve almost always played in Group H, one of the toughest in Italy, with some experience in the North . It’s too early to say what will change. Here, however, we’re no joke, with big clubs like Reggina and Savoia , and top-notch players.”
In Puglia, his most significant adventures: “ Andria was a great experience for me, I have a strong connection with the city, but Altamura is my hometown team, where I played for many years. It’s a jersey that means a lot to me, but I also played in Cerignola and Foggia .”
In Messina, he found a familiar face: ” Clemente is from Altamura, like me. I’ve already faced other new teammates as opponents, or I knew them. The coach asked me to make myself available to the team. The goal is to fight for this jersey. Then, of course, the striker always looks for the goals that can bring the three points. But the priority is to give everything, not reproach yourself for anything, and to have no regrets.”
Last year, Brindisi , starting 14 points behind in Group H , failed to reach the play-offs despite earning 41 points on the pitch: “Messina has had an extraordinary run. Those who have arrived and those who will arrive are joining a group that has achieved important things. Coming back from a 14-point deficit is not easy. Last year, Brindisi didn’t make it, even though they started with a retreat in mid-July. For me, it was a miracle, and when we achieve safety, hopefully as soon as possible, all of Italy will be talking about it.”
Tedesco is assisted by Tateo and Narcisi , who have already brought dozens of their clients to Messina, such as Fumagalli and Kragl: “Giovanni and Valeriano have been friends for over ten years, and when the opportunity arose to come to Messina, they spoke highly of it, as did former teammates I spoke to, who also praised the city. Football lives here, and I didn’t hesitate despite the league table and recent ups and downs.”
