Amato before the final: “A page of history has already been written. Our dream continues”

On the eve of the playoff final between Real Forio and Real Normanna, valid for access to the national phase, we have collected the statements of the president of Real Forio, Luigi Amato. An emotional assessment of an extraordinary season and a look at the challenge that can write another historic page for the island's football.

President, we are now just a few hours away from the final. What is your assessment of the path taken by Real Forio so far? “It has been a wonderful path, which has brought Forio closer to its people, rekindling the love for the black and green colors. We have reawakened that enthusiasm that was felt in the old days. The team has shown that it can play on a par with anyone, playing excellent football and, above all, never giving up. This, for me, means having completed a perfect path”.

A journey that, however, is not over yet… “Exactly. We are not satisfied, because now we have a final to play. It is an opportunity that we deserved on the field, and that we want to play to the end. I think we have all the cards in order to try until the end”.

Who do you feel you need to thank for this season? “Everyone. From coach Carlo Sanchez to sports directors Manna and Pisani, Antonio Milanese as general manager, Esposito and all the people who have been part of this journey. And above all the players: real men, with a capital M. In addition to being good players, they have created an extraordinary group. Thanks also to the mayor, who from day one has given us confidence and stability, helping to make all this possible”.

Has this season exceeded expectations? “Certainly. At the beginning, few saw us among the teams at the top of the standings. But today we are here, among the top three of Group A of Campania, together with very strong teams like Afragolese and Real Normanna. Forio has rewritten an important page, not only for football on the island, but perhaps also for that of Campania”.

Is there a comparison that comes to mind? “Ranieri’s Leicester comes to mind: a small team that, against all odds, managed to win the Premier League. We were also a surprise, but with determination we respected every commitment until the last minute of the season”.

What do you expect from today? “I hope it will be a celebration of sport. Aversa has announced a sold-out event, there will be many fans arriving from Forio and even from outside the region. It will be an important showcase for everyone. And if a positive result were to arrive, I would obviously be even happier. But already like this, Real Forio has shown all its value”.