Barletta, Romano: "Kids enter the stadium free up to 10 years old, we are the only one in Serie C"

After an incredible journey and victory in two consecutive championships, Barletta finally returned to the world of professional football after an eleven-year absence in Serie C. In the show "Guelfi e Ghibellini" broadcast on the TuttoMercatoWeb network, Barletta president Marco Arturo Romano discussed the club's journey that led them back to the professional league, as well as future plans and important initiatives for the family.

"We have struggled all season to achieve professional status and we have finally made this dream come true. We have not only registered for the league, but have also completed stadium renovations. We are the only club to have completed both procedures despite facing the often difficult Italian bureaucracy. Being able to play at home in front of ten thousand fans is an incredible achievement," said Romano.

When asked about his hopes for the league, Romano said, "Group C is one of the toughest in Italian football. We will do our best to defend this category, and if the opportunity arises, we will also try to get a place in the playoffs."

Romano also emphasized the club's commitment to supporting young players. "We will definitely keep the core of a team that has had a great season, but we will also give a lot of space to the youth. We are investing heavily in the youth sector which we are renovating. In Serie C, it is very important to empower young people, and we want to build a club that also relies on the players we have, because they are an asset for the future of the club."

Regarding the new reform regulating the salary cap, Romano stated, "This is an important step with a limit on player salaries. For too long we have seen unreasonable salaries. I personally believe that there should be a reduction in the number of professional clubs: with sixty clubs, contributions are distributed inadequately and often we see the bankruptcy of historic clubs."

Romano also highlighted the importance of further reform in Italian football. "Without a doubt. I hope Malagò can also make a contribution. Reforms often touch on established interests, but football needs deep change. Courage and a vision for the future are needed."

About bureaucracy in Italy, he commented, "Bureaucracy has strangled our country. In many countries, it is quite responsible to open a company, while in Italy many permits and authorizations are required. This makes Italian entrepreneurs feel pressured and even alienates foreign entrepreneurs."

"Barletta's strength is the group. And then, there is our second player on the pitch: the fans. Their enthusiasm and support is a tremendous strength," he added.

Romano also praised coach Massimo Paci, "Our relationship is very good. He is an extraordinary professional, works eighteen hours a day and is a coach who deserves a bigger stage. We hope to reach Serie B together."

For the membership campaign, Barletta has prepared an important innovation. "Yes. We have decided to allow children up to ten years old free entry to the stadium. In Serie C, usually this policy only applies up to five years old. We want to take it a step further because we believe in families and want more and more children to be close to our white and red colors. This is an added value that we are very proud of."

During the summer training period, Barletta will also host important friendly matches. "Yes. During training at Fiuggi, we will play an important friendly match. The teams under consideration are Lazio, Roma and Frosinone. We will announce the final decision soon."

"One word to describe the season that has just passed? Unstoppable," concluded Romano.