Chiesa: “Now I find more and more space in Reggiana”

The former Belluno defender arrived in Serie C in the summer: first months on the bench, but in the last two matches the coach Diana launched him

The apprenticeship seems to have ended. Denis Chiesa is now finding appearances and playing time in Reggiana, leaders of group B of Serie C together with Modena. The first months on the bench to observe his teammates gradually make way for the field. An abundant quarter of an hour as a midfielder in the overwhelming match against Teramo (5-0), which was followed by half an hour in the much more delicate trip to Pontedera against Montevarchi. At that moment the grenades were winning 3-0, but the Tuscan team attacked. Yet the coach Aimo Diana, former player of Sampdoria and Turin among others, has entrusted Denis with the role of central defensive player in the three-man rearguard. Nothing new: Chiesa went to Reggiana to play defender, like last season at Belluno. There was a misunderstanding about the 1-3 goal, it must be said, in any case it was important to win and above all to shake off the tension of returning to the pitch.

Denis, you had to be patient, as expected. But now you are finding the space …

«A wonderful satisfaction, even if it is only a starting point. When you come from Serie D, playing in the pros is a source of pride. I am also part of a squad made up of many former Serie A and B players, all with a remarkable career behind them. Here, I can say how the past few months have served me to observe and learn from them and from the technical staff. This allowed me to grow as a football player and now I try to diligently put into practice what I have learned ».

Two very different pieces of the game, in terms of difficulty.

“No doubt. Against Teramo at the time of my entry we were already 4-0 and in fact our opponents weren’t even trying to reopen the match. The game was going through the classic tired phase and since I was asked to play halfback, I was able to touch a good number of balls. On the contrary, against Montevarchi the result was not yet certain and I felt the importance of the situation. Central, however, I felt at ease, since the role I played all last season in Belluno ».

What does technician Diana tell you?

“He in general tends not to be of many words. However, when I wasn’t playing, he approached me one day inviting me to continue my work with the utmost commitment. He was realizing that I understood his needs and I just had to be patient, because during the championship I would certainly be on the pitch ».

And then you are certainly not a guy who creates controversy …

“Exactly. Then it’s not easy to stay out, mind you, everyone would like to play from the first to the last minute of every single league match. The important thing, however, is that every time you don’t enter, you take it as a stimulus for the next time. I still have to grow a lot, God forbid: after all I have just arrived here ».

Your acclimatization in the team?

“Really great. Despite being the youngest, in addition to one of the goalkeepers who was born in 2002, all my teammates involved me both on and off the pitch. I think of dinners, evenings at the cinema and so on. I believe that the important thing is to always be in the right way, demonstrating fairness and seriousness towards everyone ».

Playing in front of the Reggio crowd must be special …

“Oh yes, without a doubt. You know, always having at least 4000 people to support you has a certain effect. And I, who was used to 300, 400 people, except for the derbies… And now we can’t wait for the meeting between us and Modena on Saturday 8 January ».

What can you tell us about the Belluno Dolomites? Do you still follow her?

«I will certainly go to see them at a training session, before returning to Reggio. I left a piece of my heart there, having played 13 years in Belluno. I always follow them, I am fond of my teammates, even though it is now the new club that is the result of a merger. But that doesn’t change anything. And maybe one day we will meet face to face, both in the professionals ».