Under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, FC Pompei were mounting hopes of a title challenge in Italy’s 5th-tier Eccellenza Campania A under new manager Robí Sulpicius. After 10 games, they’d only lost once and trailed undefeated Costa d’Amalfi by three points.
Their solid start continued as striker Alessandro Malafronte scored twice in a 4-1 win at lowly Giffoni Sei Casali before back-to-back home wins over Prosangiorgese and Sarnese. And a 2-1 win over bottom side Casoria sent Pompei to the top of the table after 15 games.
The main man responsible for this form had been right winger Alfredo Varsi, who built on his strong form with a brace then a hat trick to inspire 4-0 and 4-2 wins over Pomigliano and Calpazio. That kept Pompei top by 1 point going into Christmas, before a top vs. 2nd clash with still undefeated Costa d’Amalfi on 30 December. Pompei lit the game up immediately as, straight from the kick-off, midfielder Vincenzo Marzano got in behind the defence down the left and put the opener on a plate for striker Fabrizio Guarracino with a ridiculous rabona cross after 17 seconds! Unfortunately, that was the only attacking threat they offered all game and Amalfi deservedly earned a point.
Pompei also earned a 1-1 at huge league favourites Afragolese, who were lingering down in 10th. That sparked a long series of both Pompei and the still undefeated Amalfi drawing matches but, crucially, not losing, including Pompei drawing 1-1 with 3rd-place Castel san Giorgio. While Varsi’s winner at home to Giffoni Sei Casali came as Amalfi drew at Acerrana.
Eccellenza Title Showdown
That left Pompei with a 3-point advantage heading into the final 5 games of the season, with only the top side earning promotion to Serie D.
Game 1 – Prosangiorgese (12th, away): The Eccellenza title race began in flying fashion as left back Luigi Velotti, centre back Stefano Riccio and Varsi had Pompei 3-0 up inside 24 minutes. They allowed the hosts back in but just about held on for a 3-2 win. Amalfi also won 2-0 at home to Apice.
Game 2 – Buccino (8th, home): A much edgier game saw Guarracino’s neat finish and Antonio Mele’s 8 saves secure a 1-0 victory. Amalfi drew their 12th game of the season to move Pompei 5 points clear with 3 to play.
Game 3 – Apice (17th, away): Pompei could win the title if results went their way. They started well as Riccio nodded home Varsi’s corner and Vincenzo Caso Naturale’s wonderful cross put a late 2nd on a plate for Guarracino. But Amalfi also won 2-1 at Calpazio.
Game 4 – Pomigliano (4th, home): That meant Pompei would win the league in a tough test against Pomigliano. And they started superbly again as midfielder Vincenco Carrotta put wide target man Caso Naturale in to finish superbly. But they conceded to a centre-back hat trick from three corners and a screamer – and all 4 shots on target – to lose 4-1 out of nowhere. However, Amalfi also drew yet again… to hand the title to Pompei.
Pompei won Eccellenza Campania A to reach the Italian 4th tier for the first time!
Pompei drew 3-3 on the final day to win the title by 2 points from Amalfi, who missed out on promotion despite an unbeaten season having drawn a league-high 13 games. Pompei finished on 78 points with 23 wins, 9 draws and 2 losses, plus a league-high 81 goals scored with 35 conceded.
Guarracino led the way with 21 goals followed by Varsi (17), Caso Naturale (15) and Malafronte (8) while Varsi topped the assists with 15 followed by Caso Naturale (11), Marzano (10) and Carrotta (8).
This had been a great start to Sulpicius’ career; however, his entire first-team squad was out of contract in the summer and the financial situation was looking pretty treacherous. So there could be an interesting summer in store in 2024.
Would Sulpicius have any chance of building a new squad for Serie D? Join us next Friday to find out!
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