Spezia released a statement on Vincenzo Italiano’s departure to take over at Fiorentina, accusing the coach of not considering them ‘a priority’ and ‘disrespecting’ the club. ‘We believe in handshake deals and signed contracts.’
Italiano had taken them to their first ever promotion into Serie A, then signed a new contract after keeping them comfortably in the top flight.
However, Fiorentina came calling when parting company with Gennaro Gattuso, just 23 days into his contract, and after weeks of tense negotiations it was agreed to release Italiano and his staff at a cost of €1m plus a youth player.
Spezia President Philip Raymond Platek Junior released a statement on the club website.
“Dear fans, I know full well that what happened over the last few days is truly difficult to accept. We were all able to see how great your love for the white jersey is and understand that it has not been easy.
“We believe that in sport, as in everyday life, clarity, respect and trust are essential and the foundations of any healthy rapport.
“Spezia Calcio are uppermost in our thoughts and that has to be the case for every dependent and collaborator of this club, now and in future.
“Over the last few days, we had to face a situation that was unthinkable and disrespectful for the club, the city and all those who love the Aquile.
“We believe in a handshake deal. We believe in a signed contract. We believe in words that are said. We believe in fairness.
“On the wings of enthusiasm after an exceptional season and pushed by the passion we felt in the city, we tried to carry on our plans, convinced that at the end of the day, what was best for Spezia Calcio would prevail.
“However, for someone who was meant to get the best out of it, the Aquile jersey was evidently no longer a priority.
“This situation could’ve been resolved quicker, but we are determined to remain true to our principles. We cannot allow anyone to disrespect the history and sporting tradition of these fans and the city, so we waited until we reached the right agreement to conclude the affair.
“Life can be unpredictable, but we will never be caught unprepared. Passion, honesty and fairness are some of the principal reasons we invested in Spezia Calcio and we are immediately hard at work to find a new coach who shares the values that are dear to us and someone who wants to be part of this project, because the Spezia Calcio jersey must always be honoured, in every single moment.
“We remain united around these colours and no individual will ever be bigger than the club. Forza Spezia!”
Among the candidates to replace Italiano on the Spezia bench are Marco Giampaolo, Rolando Maran and Francesco Farioli.
The latter could well be the favourite, a young coach who is currently at the helm of Turkish side Karagumruk.
He worked with Roberto De Zerbi at Sassuolo and does not have a full coaching licence in Italy, so would require someone by his side while he gets the paperwork.
🖋 Nota del Presidente Philip Raymond Platek Jr
https://t.co/Ptfj1s7XyK pic.twitter.com/dfqlaqilUV
— Spezia Calcio (@acspezia) June 30, 2021