Running, dynamism, and a strong desire to emerge. Among Messina ‘s new faces is young left-back Alessandro Pellegrino . Born in 2005, and raised in the Renate youth system, he spoke to us: “I’ve found a close-knit group. I’d already been with some of my new teammates in the same squad as Sartore at Renate , led by manager Obbedio. During the training camp, we had a very tough preparation, but we already knew that. I didn’t know manager Pellegrino personally, but I’m getting along well with manager Torrisi too, and I’m ready for this new challenge.”
Pellegrino made 40 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists for Renate’s Primavera team, before making his professional debut. ” Renate works very well with young players. I spent three years there, even getting promoted to the Primavera 2. It was a journey of total growth, culminating in my debut in Serie C.”
Last year he made 31 appearances, scored four goals and assisted three goals in Group D of Serie D for Pistoiese , coached in the second half of the season by Cristiano Lucarelli , another old acquaintance of Messina: “I grew in many ways and I enjoyed my time in a very important club”.
Messina will field a young player in goal, with the defenders expected to use their experience to help the team: “I was also an under-21 last year, and I know how it works. The younger players will have to develop; we need to help them and get them on the right path. Defenders like Sbuttoni are useful because they give the young players more confidence and maturity to the entire team.”
“I’ve always played in the North and I’m unfamiliar with the Sicilian Eccellenza. I think it’s a tough tournament, but we’ll all work together to achieve our goal: winning the championship. On a personal level, I’d like to score some goals,” Pellegrino added.
In Torrisi’s playing system, he can offer his versatility, covering multiple roles up and down the pitch: “I’ve already played both full-back and winger in the 4-2-3-1. I like the formation; it allows me to push forward a lot, and I hope it brings us great results.”
In the Coppa Italia against Messana Riviera Nord, his official debut in the Giallorossi jersey: “I hope a lot of people can come to see us and cheer us on. The crowd is always important to us when we play. I expect a very enthusiastic crowd; in fact, I imagine they’ll be even more so in Messina than in Pistoia.”
