LECCE - back in Serie A

[D-Kin]

Lecce suffer training tragedy Thursday 1 November, 2007

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Lecce are in mourning after a key member of the staff was killed by lightning during a training session.

Antonio De Giorgi died when he was struck during a severe storm and paramedics were unable to help the 42-year-old.

The players had been sheltering from the downpour in the dressing room, but De Giorgi was collecting up the equipment.

The father of one’s tragic death has touched everyone at Via Del Mare and the Salentini are set to ask for their Week 13 clash at Cesena to be postponed.

channel4.com - Football Italia

RIP.

[D-Kin]

Papa could leave Lecce Thursday 19 June, 2008

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Giuseppe Papadopulo could quit newly promoted Lecce as talks over a new contract have failed to progress.

Lecce returned to the top flight after a two-season exile in Serie B thanks to a play-off Final victory over Albinoleffe last week.

Former Lazio boss Papadopulo was the man who led the Salentini to glory, but he may not stay on at Via Del Mare.

“There’s a great distance between the club and me, even if we are working to close it,” he told Dire.

“I want things to be sorted out in a rational manner so that I can have a future at this club.

“It’s not a wage problem. I have put enough money aside over the years to not have to worry about £75,000 here or there.

“And it’s not even a problem with the length of the contract because I would accept a one-year deal.

“My objective wasn’t just to secure promotion - it was to lead Lecce in Serie A.

“I want to lead a side that are capable of showing their ability in the top flight and I hope that side is Lecce.”

Former Siena Coach Mario Beretta, ex-Parma man Domenico Di Carlo and Davide Ballardini, who kept Cagliari afloat last term, are in the frame should Papadopulo abdicate.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Giuseppe Papadopulo has left the club. Mario Beretta, Daniele Arrigoni and Domenico Di Carlo have been mentioned as possible replacements.
channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Beretta considers Lecce job Saturday 21 June, 2008

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Mario Beretta admits he is in line to take over at Serie A new boys Lecce after contract talks with Giuseppe Papadopulo broke down.

The Salentini achieved promotion this month after a play-off victory over Albinoleffe, but are not set to stick with current Coach Papadopulo.

“Will I be on the Lecce bench? We’ll see what happens,” mused Beretta on Radio Kiss Kiss.

“There is something in it, certainly, but at the moment nothing concrete. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Beretta rescued Siena from relegation to mid-table comfort last term, but was not offered a new deal by the club.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/jun21c.html

[D-Kin]

Papa: Wages weren't Lecce problem Saturday 21 June, 2008

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Lecce have now made it official that Giuseppe Papadopulo is leaving the club, though contract talks did not fail because of “economic issues.”

The Coach took them to promotion through the play-offs, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Albinoleffe in the Final, but will not stay with the team in Serie A.

“It is not a dismissal,” assured Papadopulo. “Quite simply my contract was set to expire and we could not agree on a renewal.”

Lecce President Rico Semeraro also spoke out on the split and denied rumours it was based on the wage offer.

“The decision was not prompted by economic issues,” he noted of the deal that expires on June 30.

The favourite to replace Papadopulo is former Siena boss Mario Beretta, who admitted this weekend that talks are at an early stage.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Beretta sets survival target Tuesday 24 June, 2008

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Mario Beretta has been presented as the new Coach of Lecce and has set his target for the season as “comfortable survival.”

Lecce have returned to the top flight after two years in the Second Division, but they did so under Giuseppe Papadopulo, who quit the club after failing to agree a new deal.

The Salentini have turned to former Siena boss Beretta, who guided the Robur to mid-table comfort last term, and he is aiming to do the same again.

“I have to thank the club for showing trust in me,” the 48-year-old said at his opening Press conference.

“This is a very important footballing city with a great tradition and I am very grateful at being called to take charge of this team.

“My work is to make a contribution to the project and to bring passion and enthusiasm.

“The aim for the season is to achieve comfortable safety, hopefully with a few weeks to go.”

channel4.com - Football Italia