MESSINA – Following the 1-1 draw between ACR Messina and Vibonese, the Calabrian side expressed their disapproval of the referee. Coach Giuseppe Romano offered this analysis for the team: “If we look at today’s performance, it’s a good one. We played flawlessly against a strong, quality team; they’re equipped to compete in the top tier of the league. The performance was commendable; the lads didn’t hold back, but we’re disappointed with the ending. However, looking back at the entire match, it should have been a draw. We broke the deadlock, then defended tooth and nail, and if we’d held on, it would have been a perfect match. We could have taken better advantage of the visitors’ highdefense, playing more vertically and playing with Touré’s pace. A win could have given them momentum. Remember, this team currently has 17 points; we can only praise the lads. Saverino is an important player who has always responded well when calledupon, but whoever came on has always contributed.”
Saverino: “I like to fit in, well done, Maisano.”
Messina’s goal-scorer, Francesco Saverino, a substitute in the middle of the game, commented on the match: “It was an important goal that earns us a point and moves us up the table. We know we could have taken it, but that’s football: sometimes you score at the last minute and win, other times it goes badly. We hoped to take home the three points, but that wasn’t the case. I like to get forward, so I often do. Maisano did well for finding me, and so they did well for scoring. They still created chances, so the draw is fair, but it’s a shame about how it turned out. This championship has been crucial for us from the first match onwards. Now we’ll face the top teams, and the slightest mistake can cost you. We need to stay focused and play the games. The team dropped off a bit in the second half; the pitch had an impact on both sides. The match went as planned, and from Tuesday we’ll get back to work and focus on the next match.”
Costa and Esposito’s statements
Angelo Costa, Vibonese sporting director: “Messina’s goal came from two meters out of play, so that’s enough. We were playing well, and this incident affected the game. The lads did well to get back on track in the final minutes, but we have a lot to complain about with the refereeing trio. We remained silent despite suffering so many injustices, but that’s enough now. It hurts to return to Messina. I had one of my best years here in my first year, not in the second, when I left with the arrival of the new ownership. I’d like to clarify the outburst in Biella, which was due to the fact that I found myself alone with the coach in those weeks. I wish the city of Messina and Messina all the best, so they can achieve their goal.”
Raffaele Esposito, Vibonese coach: “The team played a great match on a difficult pitch, playing with great courage. We played with a high defensive line, and that shows our courage. Messina had very few chances; on the occasion of the goal, Saverino seemed offside. Lately, incidents have been penalizing us; last week, a penalty was denied, and today, a suspicious offside position. The team showed they have guts, reacting without being affected by negative moments.”
