Martino and Group G: "Competitive and fascinating. I'm counting on the fans' energy."

Ischia Calcio is preparing to face the Serie D championship in Group G, a group that new coach Alessio Martino knows well and considers among the most competitive. Between tough away matches, old-school derbies, and a challenging start to the season, the coach shares his impressions of the schedule, the championship's pitfalls, the role of fans, and the growth of a young but ambitious team.

Mister, let's start with the group. Group G was in the air, now it's official. What are your impressions? “For me, honestly, it didn't change much. Both groups were fascinating, especially since I've already experienced them. I coached in Group H the first year, then in Group F, and today I find myself in a group where I've had the most coaching experience with Gladiator, around 34. It's a very competitive group: the Sardinian teams, the Lazio teams, and even the Campania teams maintain a high level. People often think that this group is more "approachable," but that's a mistake. There are specific challenges in this category and teams that play brazen football. Furthermore, the Lazio football scene always brings in quality young players, guys who maybe come close to making it to Serie A with Roma and Lazio and then reach Serie D. They're not just any "young players." It's a competitive group, and we'll be ready.”

Looking ahead to the group stage, Scafatese and Nocerina are potential contenders. What's your take on this? "Nocerina and Scafatese have the weight of being key players, and I think they've worked well, both in terms of signings and renewing their squads, to achieve that. But we should also be wary of some of the teams from Lazio or Sardinia: they're solid teams with a long tradition. The pitfalls are always the same, especially in home games, where victory can sometimes be taken for granted. We're confident in the club's work and count heavily on the support of our fans. They came to greet us the day before yesterday, and yesterday a representative of the organized fan base reminded us what it means to wear this jersey. I told the lads right away: we need to understand Ischia's history. Since we're a young team, I ask the fans to give us energy and not to let the pressure weigh on us, which can affect the more inexperienced players at the start of the season."

We start with an away trip to Cassino, then the return leg at the Mazzella stadium, and then Sardinia. A challenging start? "Yes, we'll be facing a team that finished among the top spots last year and has changed very little, except for their coach. They're a proven group, familiar with the group and working well in the youth sector, much like we want to do in the future. It will be a difficult start, but ultimately, no matter what our first opponent was, we would have approached it with the same approach. At home, we hope to have as many fans as possible and that the work on the Mazzella stadium is finished soon. Then, we'll take it one game at a time: in Serie D, things can change in three or four days."

The final matchday is Ischia-Nocerina. Is the derby ultimately an advantage or a risk? "Sooner or later, you have to face them all. I'm not superstitious: I think everything depends on us, even if luck counts. But attitude and hunger make the difference. Our goal is clear: to stay up with dignity, bring more people to the stadium, give the team an identity. This is more important than the standings. We'll face Nocerina with the same respect and determination we'll show against Cassino."

The friendly against Florio was postponed due to physical problems. Are you worried? “No, it's part of the game. In one day we had four, five, six withdrawals, plus other small problems that were already present. We would have been forced to play with nine or ten kids, and that wouldn't have been fair to them. I'm a bit reluctant to play friendlies: I've lost them all in training camp and then had a great season, or won them all and then started poorly. Friendlies can be either hopeful or depressing; I prefer to work on the pitch and test the team in official matches.”

The Coppa Italia is on August 31st and the league on September 7th. We'll start off at a high pace right away. "That's better. August football can mean everything or nothing. We need to focus on what really matters: from September 7th onwards, we'll be playing for the three points. The Coppa Italia will only be a taster, but it will be useful to understand where we stand."

We'll close with the retreat: what kind of group have you found? "A group that wants to work and needs the support of the environment because it's young. I have to be patient, practical, and give the team a clear identity. We're working hard and will continue to do so until the 31st, using every day to grow."