Messina has finally broken their drought and can now look forward to the delicate bid to avoid relegation with renewed optimism. The three points earned against Ragusa are worth double and allow them to close in on the play-off spots. Captain Sergio Garufi can finally rejoice: “We certainly knew the importance of the match, firstly because it was a direct clash and secondly because we were coming off a difficult period. But we always remained focused, even when things weren’t going well, and we constantly discussed things with each other and the staff to try to fix anything that wasn’t right on the pitch.”
The match was very lively, with a brawl at the start and then a serious injury to Memeo , who is hospitalized for checks at the Policlinico hospital: “We knew it would be a tough match, even emotionally. When the stakes are high, points start to weigh heavily, and matches get smaller, it’s clear that attention increases and competitive spirit takes over. We had the same attitude we showed against Gelbison because we were proactive, we tried to go beyond the competitive aspect, and the team was ready.”
Against Vigor Lamezia , Igea Virtus, and Milazzo, Messina will have to push hard to climb further up the play-off standings: “We have to try to get out there and win them all. It’s natural that, being behind after a whole year of playing catch-up, we’ll also see how things pan out on other pitches. We have to do our part. Another tough match awaits us on Sunday. We’ll have to go there with the same attitude we showed today, right from the start.”
