A2 M - Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi completes the roster with two comebacks: Marangolo and Nicolosi back on Scebba's Court

We are getting closer to the new debut in the Serie A2 championship for Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi, which has been preparing for more than a month to return to the pool with renewed enthusiasm and several novelties. With the new additions of Tkac and Zovko already announced (the latter also returning), Muri Antichi strengthens and reinforces coach Scebba's team with two more welcome comebacks that go by the names of Valerio Nicolosi and Mario Marangolo, who have already contributed significantly to the Muri Antichi colors and will continue to do so from this upcoming season starting on November 9th.

"The return of Mario and Valerio to Muri was my greatest desire - the heartfelt words of president Luigi Spinnichia - forgive me anyone, but in my heart, I knew that it would happen sooner or later. They represent Muri's family 100%. The quality they will bring after their experience in Serie A1 will be high, but never as high as the pleasure of having them with us again. Valerio returns joyfully for everyone, especially for his former young athletes, for whom he was a beloved and reassuring figure. Mario, just like his family, has spent more time at Muri Antichi than at his own home, going through all the youth categories until his debut in Serie A when he was still a young boy. Both have written important pages in the history of the Club and will certainly continue to do so. I can't wait to see them back in the water to celebrate with them. Mario and Valerio, welcome back home!"

"As soon as we achieved promotion, we immediately thought about preparing the team for A2 - states coach Aurelio Scebba - and we couldn't overlook two returns like those of Valerio and Mario. Both are integral parts of the Muri Antichi family. We wanted to continue enriching the team with Catania players, and who better than them? Both, coming from their experience in Serie A1, will bring great sports qualities, but above all, a great human aspect to the team. From this perspective, they are genuine giants. Along with the other new arrivals, I am certain they will make a difference. The club has satisfied my requests, and I thank them for that. I am sure this team will be competitive."

"Two athletes born at Muri Antichi are coming back home, having grown both in terms of water polo skills and human qualities," states sports director Andrea Scirè. "They are definitely returning more aware thanks to their experience in the top-tier league. I am very happy to have managed these negotiations and to see their great desire to return. This gives us the perception of how they feel about Muri Antichi as their home and, more importantly, how they value our project. Both Valerio and Mario will greatly help the team; coach Aurelio knows them well, and I am sure the players will give their all in every match."

"Returning to Muri Antichi has meant a lot to me," says Valerio Nicolosi, "it was immediately a reassuring feeling. I have a lot of confidence in this group. Even in recent years, watching from the outside, coach Aurelio has managed to keep the team united not only technically but also in terms of cohesion off the field, and I really like this. We are an excellent team, we have known each other for many years, and this will be a great advantage for us."

"Returning to Muri for me was a bit like coming home," admits Mario Marangolo, "to a team that is now in the category it deserves. I don't know Aurelio now; he coached me throughout the youth ranks, and we were also briefly teammates in the pool. Everyone welcomed me very well, from the president to all the managers. The team has strengthened significantly, and I can't wait to start already. I believe we could be the underdog of this championship, and we won't be afraid of anyone."

Davide Caltabiano
Press Office Giorgini Ottica Muri Antichi Catania
Photo Credits Sabrina Malerba Events