First Team

On the morning of Tuesday, August 25, a press conference was held in the press room of the Orogel Stadium-Dino Manuzzi to introduce Jacopo Gelli, a defender for Cesena FC.

At his side was Massimo Agostini, a member of Cavalluccio’s board of directors, who stated: “Today we are pleased to introduce Jacopo Gelli, a defender coming from Frosinone, where he played a key role alongside his former teammates in securing promotion to Serie A. We were able to bring him to Cesena at a time when we needed a defensive reinforcement, and he has already demonstrated his significant qualities and great skills in his first match.”

Following the board member’s remarks, Jacopo Gelli took the floor to answer questions from the journalists in attendance: “Thank you all for the warm welcome. I must say that Sunday’s debut was very exciting. It was wonderful to play my first game in this stadium in front of these fans. The atmosphere was very warm, and I must say I’m also very happy with how the game went and how well I gelled with my defensive partner. We only had a few days to work together, but there was a strong chemistry right from the start.”

“What’s the mood like after the Sampdoria game? We’re satisfied with the point we brought home, because it was an important point earned against a very strong team. It’s disappointing, of course, to have been reduced to ten men because the game was going our way, especially in the opening minutes of the second half, when we had two great chances to double our lead. But we showed that our strength lies in our spirit: we dug in with great determination and battled until the very end.”

“The journey I’ve taken in Serie D and Serie C has, in my opinion, helped me a lot in getting to where I am today. Playing in those leagues gives you additional experience that shapes you in so many ways. I think Cesena is an important step for me, where I need to prove myself in this league. Last year was a wonderful season, but this could be the season that cements my place, and I intend to give it my all to honor the jersey we wear and the people who come to support us.”

“My relationship with the coach has been very straightforward and natural because, on a personal level, he’s been through certain things—and he went through them before we did. It’s great to work with him because he helps us every day and makes it clear exactly what he wants. I have to say that we also work very well with his assistant and the entire staff; they’re real go-getters, and we always train with great intensity. As the coach said, the important thing—and something we must never lose, because it will help us immensely—is our spirit: it’s something we’ve also emphasized among ourselves in the locker room, and it will be what makes the difference this year as we tackle the season in the best possible way.”

The full press conference is available on Cesena FC’s official YouTube channel: