Mauro Ardizzone is the new coach of the rossoblùs, fourth-last in football B Two games won under his management. “The road is long but the route is right”
SASSARI. From Milan to Sassari. Objective: to save the glorious female Torres from relegation, debut this season in Serie B. Mauro Ardizzone, born in 1970, globetrotting coach, has taken up the challenge and, after two consecutive victories, has removed the rossoblùs from last place and is leading them in a journey still aimless but more peaceful than what was expected.
Mister Ardizzone, why did you stop playing at just 25 years old?
«I didn’t have the mind to be a footballer and so I went to the other side. Milan offered me a contract to follow the youth sector and I discovered that I am better as a coach than as a player ».
Before Sassari, also 13 years in the youth sector of Milan and in international academies, then the Metropolitanos in League 1, in Venezuela, and Mons Calpe in Gibraltar, in Serie A, finally Jakarta in Indonesia.
«I love football, it has allowed me to travel the world. I am proud of the work done for Milan’s youth sector, I have made many Serie A players grow who are making themselves known such as Raoul Bellanova of Cagliari ».
A Milanese for the glorious history of women’s Torres.
«It was a quick negotiation, I immediately felt a positive energy. We understood each other immediately with president Budroni, it is a serious club that cares about the future of the team. And then we are talking about Torres, the most successful team in Italy that has given real myths to women’s football, such as the National coach Milena Bertolini, Carolina Morace, Patrizia Panico. Just look at the cups and photos to make your wrists tremble. But I like challenges, I’m used to fighting ».
Two consecutive victories under his management. What credit does it take?
«The credit goes to the players. I liked the team a lot from the first training session, they are a good group, ready to work and sacrifice themselves. A nice surprise, the change of coach is not easy ».
If Sassari loses one or two games, will the stadium collapse?
«The working scheme is independent of victories and defeats. I told the girls that the road is still long, we are in full tussle, also because this year the bottom three in the standings are relegated. But the route is the right one ».
The adventure in Sassari.
«Positive impact, even if I don’t know the city well yet. There is little time between training and preparation for matches. I will make up for it, I promise ».
A Milanese in Sardinia. Has anyone tried to change her mind?
“In reverse. As soon as I signed the contract with Torres, the first to call me was Gianmarco Pozzecco, a great friend, a brother I would say. “Go in a hurry”, he told me, you’ll have a great time, the fans are unique. We will meet again here in Sassari for the Dinamo-Milan match at PalaSerradimigni, I can’t wait ».
What is your dream as a coach?
«Continue to grow and work on serious and ambitious projects like this one by Torres. I’m happy with what I’m doing, it’s the first time I’ve coached a women’s team. For the rest we will discover it only by living ».