Serie B – Lecco’s Bonazzoli remedy works: 2-1 win against Sudtirol sparks future hopes

In the aftermath of an impressive 2-1 victory against Sudtirol, Lecco has unexpectedly captured the football world’s attention. The team has finished the first half of Serie B in the 16th place with 20 points, a historic achievement for a team that has returned to the second-tier after five decades. This triumph is particularly notable considering the team’s tumultuous history with FIGC, TAR and the Council of State, which almost saw them lose their well-earned Serie B status.

At the beginning of the season, several bookmakers had already written off Lecco, predicting a swift return to the third tier. The opening of the season proved difficult with five losses and one draw in the first six games. Consequently, following a 0-3 defeat against Cosenza, the club decided to let go of manager Luciano Foschi, who was instrumental in their promotion to B, and appointed Emiliano Bonazzoli as the new coach. Bonazzoli, who had retired as a professional footballer in 2016, had prior coaching experience only in amateur men’s and women’s football.

Bonazzoli immediately focused on his players’ mindset rather than their tactics. He believed in the strength of the squad but insisted on a change in their approach to games. Despite a 0-2 loss to Ascoli in their first game under Bonazzoli, his impact was evident as the team gained 19 points with 5 wins and 4 draws in 13 matches under his management. The club saw a string of five positive results between late October and mid-November. The players appear more confident, playing a more aggressive style of football and steadily improving, resulting in draws against Como and Venezia and wins against Sudtirol, Pisa, and Palermo (all 2-1). The highlight was an unexpected 2-3 victory over league leaders Parma, securing three critical points.

Bonazzoli stated after their latest match against Sudtirol, “Lecco is now more cynical and concrete, the players are the first to believe,” reflecting the growing mental and tactical maturity within the environment. After the break, Lecco will face Catanzaro, one of Serie B’s revelations. If the team can maintain this momentum, then it seems that dreams can indeed become a reality in Lecco.