In The Dugout: Cristiano Spazzola
Following a dismal start to the 2020/21 campaign, previous head-coach Vincenzo Manzo was met with the sack which made-way for Cristiano Scazzola, who has occupied the role since January 2021.
The 49-year-old oversaw an upturn in form that successfully guided Piacenza out of the relegation picture. I Lupi would finish the season in twelfth position, just three points outside of the final promotion play-off place which was occupied by Juventus U23's.
Previous to this, Piacenza had endured a dismal start to the season that left them firmly in the relegation play-off places. Manzo, who was appointed that summer following the departure of Arnaldo Franzini to Seregno Calcio, averaged less than a point per game and left the club in January with a record of just three wins from his twenty-one games in charge.
It was Cristiano Scazzola who was entrusted to turn the ship around at the Leonardo Garilli. Scazzola had been out of work for just over a year having been dismissed from his role at Alessandria, a side also playing in Lega Pro Girone A. There was some scepticism surrounding his appointment, however, he has allowed his record on the pitch to do the talking to date with nine wins from eighteen games and just five losses.
Scazzola is set to oversee his first full campaign in charge of Piacenza and has spoken openly regarding the forthcoming season. He said: "The expectations last season were greatly different to those that the board and I have discussed this term. Six months ago, I joined a club who were fighting for their lives and were in unfamiliar territory - it has been a while since this club has faced the turmoil it did at that time. However, we successfully overcame the challenges and I was very impressed with the nature of which we did.
The expectations have been elevated somewhat but we aren't under any illusions that the same challenges are still present. This is an incredibly difficult division to succeed in. There are no wildly optimistic plans. What there is, however, is a carefully documented project. It is my job to ensure everybody buys into this and that we're singing from the same hymn sheet.
I am looking forward to my first full season here. It has been a pleasure to be welcomed into the football club. I have worked hard to earn the trust of the support and I will continue to do my upmost to deliver results on the pitch."
Replies
Justice: I hope you appreciate the use of italics in this update.Jack: Cagni is rightfully regarding as a club-legend as far as my research goes. He brought a tremendous amount of success to the club. The third-tier is incredibly difficult to get out of given the sheer number of 'big clubs' at this level and the horrendous nature of the play-offs...
J_ames: Stability is certainly the word. Welcome... your manager!
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