Serie A: Messina preview
Messina have overcome a summer of uncertainty to retain a sense of stability.
Messina have overcome a summer of uncertainty to retain a sense of stability in their squad following their heroics of last season.The Sicilian club finished a hugely creditable seventh in the table last term but feared for their place in the top flight during the close season.
Financial problems initially prompted the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to deny Messina inscription into Serie A for the coming campaign.
The State Council overturned that decision and Messina can now concentrate on preparing for another battle to stay in the top flight.
On the pitch, there has been little change to Bortolo Mutti's side and he is likely to field the bulk of last season's team.
There have been no major departures from the club, with Alessandro Parisi back at Messina after the defender's move to Genoa was cancelled.
Giuseppe Sculli was brought in but he is not guaranteed a starting spot as Messina will again look to the promptings of Gaetano D'Agostino.
The 23-year-old has been handed the responsibility of playmaking duties and will be charged with the task of supplying the ammunition for Riccardo Zampagna.
The veteran striker was a key figure last season and, if Zampagna scores consistently again, then Messina can steer clear of a battle to beat the drop.
