From Philosophy to Personnel

Of course, a tactical idea only works if the players on the pitch can bring it to life. Disciplina & Transizione demands discipline in defensive shape, intelligence in positioning, and the courage to attack space quickly when possession turns over. Not every player is suited to that balance. Some thrive when dominating the ball, others when chasing the game. This system requires players who can do neither for long stretches, yet remain mentally sharp enough to exploit the brief moments when the match opens up.

That reality shaped our approach to recruitment this summer. Rather than overhaul the squad, the focus was on carefully adding profiles that strengthen the structure we want to play with in Serie A. Goalkeeper, defensive spine, transitional outlets – each addition was chosen not simply for ability, but for how naturally they fit into the demands of the system.

With the tactical framework established, the task then became clear: find the players capable of executing it.

The Signings:

With just over £2 million to spend, and Javier Serrano moving on for £1m, making a little extra funds available, it was time to re-allocate some Wage Budget into the Transfer kitty and go to work…

Robin Risser (GK) £1.4m from RC Lens

The first piece of business was the easiest decision of the summer. Robin Risser returned to the club permanently after a remarkable loan spell that saw him named Serie B Goalkeeper of the Season and included in the division’s Team of the Year. For a side preparing to spend long periods without the ball in Serie A, reliability between the posts is priceless. Risser proved last year that he can handle high shot volumes, organise the defence, and remain composed under pressure. Securing him for less than the previously agreed loan option made the deal even more satisfying. In a system built on defensive discipline and rapid transitions, a goalkeeper capable of both shot-stopping and launching counters quickly is essential, and Risser already understands exactly how we want to play.

Andres Cuenca (CB) £4.0m from Udinese

Andrés Cuenca was another player whose loan spell convinced me he belonged at the club permanently. Last season he was asked to play out of position at left-back, yet still showed the defensive intelligence and composure that first attracted us to him. Naturally a centre-back, the former Barcelona “La Masia” graduate reads the game well, is comfortable on the ball, and has the anticipation required to defend deeper spaces in Serie A. His ability to step into wider defensive areas also provides valuable flexibility in the back line, something that becomes particularly useful when our half-back drops between the centre-backs and the structure shifts during transitions.

Diego Pampin (LB) £900k from Levante

It was important I turned my attention to the left flank – a position that would inevitably be tested week after week in Serie A. Diego Pampín was recruited not as a luxury attacking wing-back, but as a defender capable of balancing defensive discipline with forward intent. His anticipation, concentration and work rate make him reliable in one-versus-one situations, while his acceleration and agility allow him to recover quickly when transitions break down. In Disciplina & Transizione, the full-backs must be selective rather than reckless; they support attacks when space opens, but prioritise defensive shape above all else. Pampín’s energy and positional awareness suit that demand.

I also signed another left back over over the summer. Brando Moruzzi was signed on an expiring contract from the Juventus U23’s where he made 19 appearances last season, with an 7.10 AVG. He offers pace and strong tackling and will be working with coached to improve his crossing and final ball.

Carlos Benavidez Protesoni (DM) £1.1m from Alaves

If Disciplina & Transizione has a heartbeat, it sits in front of the defence. Benavidez was recruited specifically to play as the half-back, a role that transforms the shape of the team depending on the phase of play. When we build attacks he drops between the centre-backs, creating a temporary back three that allows the full-backs to advance. When we defend he shields the defensive line, breaking up play and ensuring we remain compact. His positional intelligence, tackling, and discipline make him the tactical anchor of the system – the player responsible for turning defensive stability into attacking transitions.

Ale Garcia (LW) Loan from Sunderland

While much of our recruitment focused on defensive solidity, the system still requires outlets capable of punishing teams when possession turns over. Ale García was signed to provide exactly that. Quick, direct, and comfortable attacking space, he fits perfectly into the transitional nature of our approach. When opponents push bodies forward, García gives us a player who can carry the ball quickly into dangerous areas and create chances before defences can reset. In a league where we will rarely dominate possession, those moments of transition could be the difference between survival and struggle.

The Victor Narro Problem

Victor Narro has become a problem. A problem that could derail my whole Serie A season.

The now 29-year-old winger had an average season in Serie B: 26 appearances, 4 goals, 3 assists.

So, you can imagine my response when he barged into my office demanding to be an Important Player, and with that, wanted to more nearly TREBLE his weekly wages from £11.75k to £28k per week!

I declined.

He threw a tantrum.

Having signed Ale Garcia, I was always planning on selling an existing Winger as I needed the money to buy a back up striker… and he was now that man!

I offered him out to clubs, no one wanted him.

I reduced the asking fee, and agreed a fee of £4m – which would be MASSIVE for us – with Gent in Belgium and set about signing a striker.

Director of Football, Andrea Mancini, managed to strike a deal to bring 6’5″ Laurs Skjellerup to the club (3rd choice in my priority list) and I was happy that my squad was now set for the season.

Narro, however, had other ideas and turned the move down, and is now dead-set on turning players against me.

With time running out, I turned to the help of an Intermediary… but no one is interested!

I’ve now delayed the Skjellerup deal twice and FC Nordsjaeland have cancelled the deal.

Without Narro leaving, I can’t afford to bring anyone else in. I’ve even tried to offload Emanuel Vignato but no one is interested.

If I can’t bring in another striker I’ll have to go into the season with 17-year-old Targetman Filippo Bonometti as backup to Thibo Baeten:

As Transfer Deadline Day arrived, Hellas Verona came in with an offer to loan Narro – paying 80% of his wages, and a mandatory fee of £3.8m.

I immediately accepted and lined up a loan deal for Roma reserve striker, Andrei Kostic – who on paper is better than Thibo Baeten and a steal at the optional £2m fee at the end of the loan.

I anxiously waited, and despite the deal being accepted early in the morning, the paperwork apparently wasn’t filed in time and the deal didn’t make it before the deadline.

Filippo Bonometti it is then…

Please Thibo Baeten… don’t get hurt!!