As the anticipation for the 2025-2026 Serie C season builds, AC Carpi has taken significant steps to lay a robust foundation for success. Following the appointment of Stefano Cassani as head coach, the club has now officially announced the technical team that will support him, alongside a meticulous pre-season friendly schedule designed to fine-tune the squad for the challenges ahead.
The Architects of the Future: Cassani`s Trusted Team
The success of any football club hinges not just on the head coach, but on the cohesive unit supporting them. AC Carpi`s new structure under Coach Cassani reflects a strategic blend of fresh perspectives and invaluable continuity.
- Davide Godi (Assistant Coach): A familiar face to Cassani, Godi joins as the new Assistant Coach, having previously served in the same capacity under Cassani at Lentigione last season. His four years of experience collaborating with Parma`s Primavera (youth) squads also bring a crucial understanding of player development and tactical refinement.
- Graziano Araldi (Athletic Trainer – Confirmed): Affectionately known as “Prof” Araldi, his retention is a clear testament to his impact. Entering his third season with the Biancorossi, Araldi was instrumental in the previous staff that achieved promotion and then secured Serie C safety. His continued presence ensures physical conditioning standards remain top-tier.
- Vito Barberio (Athletic Trainer – New): A dynamic addition to the physical preparation team, Barberio (born 1990) brings a wealth of professional experience. After honing his skills in the youth sectors of Modena and Sassuolo (where he previously worked with Araldi), he spent five seasons in professional football with clubs like Avellino, Gubbio, and Campobasso under coach Piero Braglia. This combination of experience promises a rigorous and well-rounded approach to player fitness.
- Luca Malaguti (Goalkeeper Coach – Confirmed): Now in his fourth year with AC Carpi, Malaguti`s continuity is vital for the stability and development of the club`s goalkeepers. His consistent presence since the 2022/23 season, including his time with the successful Serpini staff, ensures a seamless transition in this specialized role.
- Andres Cola (Technical Collaborator/Match Analyst – New): The modern game demands meticulous analysis, and Cola steps in to fill this crucial role. Having completed his course at Coverciano, Italian football`s prestigious coaching school, and with a year`s experience at Victor San Marino, he brings a fresh, analytical eye to tactical preparation and opponent scouting.
This carefully curated staff signifies AC Carpi`s intent to approach the new season with a comprehensive, professional framework, leveraging both established expertise and innovative approaches.
The Road to Readiness: Pre-Season Friendlies Unveiled
Beyond the boardroom appointments, the real work begins on the pitch. AC Carpi has outlined a comprehensive pre-season friendly schedule, designed to gradually build match fitness, integrate new tactics, and foster team cohesion. These fixtures offer a valuable glimpse into Cassani`s tactical preferences and the squad`s progress.
Key Pre-Season Fixtures:
- Saturday, July 19: Internal Squad Test (Antistadio “Cabassi”, 10:00 AM) – The initial internal scrimmage, a chance for Cassani to assess individual fitness and initial tactical responses.
- Saturday, July 26: AC Carpi vs. Imolese (Ravarino, 5:30 PM) – An early test against local opposition, likely a first chance for fans to see the new squad in action.
- Saturday, August 2: AC Carpi vs. Comacchiese (Fiumalbo, 4:30 PM) – Another preparatory match, allowing for further tactical experimentation and player rotations.
- Wednesday, August 6: AC Carpi vs. Lentigione (Ravarino, 5:30 PM) – An intriguing encounter, as Coach Cassani faces his former club. A strategic test against familiar opposition.
- Sunday, August 10: Arzignano Valchiampo vs. AC Carpi (Arzignano, 5:30 PM) – The most significant test of the pre-season, facing a fellow Serie C competitor. This match will provide a realistic benchmark for the team`s readiness.
- Thursday, August 14: AC Carpi vs. Solarolo (Antistadio “Cabassi”, Time TBD) – The final tune-up before the competitive season, likely focusing on perfecting set pieces and final tactical adjustments.
With the technical backbone now firmly in place and a challenging yet insightful pre-season schedule ahead, AC Carpi is meticulously preparing for what promises to be an exciting 2025-2026 Serie C campaign. The blend of experienced hands and fresh analytical minds within the staff, coupled with a rigorous training regimen, suggests a club determined to not just compete, but to truly make its mark.
