Frustrated Melillo proud of Primavera progress despite halted campaign

With his side sitting at the top of the league - having won every single one of their league games to date - Melillo and his Under-19 side looked to be on course to avenge last season's agonising finish, as the team lost the national title on penalties against Inter Milan.

Instead, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has seen junior seasons throughout the country cancelled - meaning Melillo is left to reflect on a campaign filled with so many positives, yet ultimately left with so many unanswered questions about what might have been.

"There's a big feeling of regret about not being able to finish the campaign as we were picking up great results following on from the excellent work that we did last season, when we went all the way and lost out in the Scudetto final to Inter on penalties," Melillo said.

"We deservedly won all 17 of our league games and had a 13-point lead over Fiorentina, although they did have a game in hand. We were keen to make up for losing the final last year.

"There were three group matches left: the quarter-finals and the final four. We could've gone all the way given the quality of our players. This halt to the game, however, doesn't take anything away from how much the girls have improved and how well they've done this season."

Are there wins that you'll remember more fondly than others?

"Certainly the first derby of the season, as it was the maiden clash between Roma and Lazio in the women's game, given that their first team are in Serie B. We produced a complete performance and showed an abundance of quality. We ran out 4-0 winners, which was our happiest moment of the campaign, followed by the 3-2 win away to second-placed Fiorentina."

There was more derby success when you met again…

"Yes, after winning 4-0 at home, we racked up a 3-0 victory on the road. The fixtures were played quite close together as the first game was originally postponed due to scheduling reasons."

Away from the league, the team also did well in the Viareggio tournament.

"Yes, that was another fantastic adventure. We spent around 10 days together as a squad, which is something the girls weren't used to. It was like a small World Cup, with a training camp, hotel accommodation, training and games every two days. It was an important period for togetherness and development. I'm grateful to the club for making such a big effort to put us on such an important stage. I think the team's quality and sense of identity more than compensated for that effort.

Unfortunately, we lost 3-2 to Juventus in the final. The first half was even and we created a host of chances, but somehow went in 3-0 down at the break. They scored twice from set-pieces and once on the counter-attack. It was hard to take, but we felt we were still in the game. The girls reacted very well and dominated the second half. We even carved out a chance to equalise with ten players. It was an important test against another top side."

In general, what have you made of the team's progress?

"We've played 35 league games over two years and our record reads 32 wins and three draws. The squad has had strong foundations since the start."

Can you feel the difference since clubs turned professional?

"Yes, the difference is like night and day. There are now facilities that were unthinkable four or five years ago. There are new working methods for the U17s, U15s and younger groups as well. You can also see the difference in terms of the girls' body language. We have pitches, facilities and staff available for physio. The girls used to come through male academies, but would then often lose their way.

In terms of the Primavera, we've been able to increase the workload and improve how training sessions are managed. Amateur clubs often would struggle to find available pitches, would train at inconvenient times and sometimes on half a pitch. There's been a notable step forward in the development of female athletes."

Has your work continued despite the season coming to a premature end?

"The news reached us early on, but I have been pleasantly surprised to see how well the girls have followed the weekly training schedule, with five days on and two rest days. Fortunately they can now go for a run outside. We've tried to make them understand that even now the season is over, we still need accurate data on their fitness levels. Female fitness has to be managed carefully and the girls' response has been in line with their performances on the pitch. We've been there constantly for them and they can't wait to get back together. They're a fantastic group."

What's the average age of the girls in the Primavera?

"We cover a very big age range. 2000 was the official cut-off point for this year, but we made a decision as a club not to follow that. We have girls born between 2001 and 2004, plus one from 2005 who is particularly advanced for her age."

How big is the step-up from the Primavera to the first team?

"It's easier in women's football because there's more crossover between the two teams. Several of our girls have moved up to train regularly with the first team this season, too. At the end of these two years of hard work, we'll do the necessary analysis to structure the next step as well as we can, while trying to give the girls a true sense of belonging and a love for the jersey that they wear. We have four or five talents that will make it in Serie A and the goal is to keep bringing such players through on a regular basis."

How much do you miss football?

"It's been a tough period which suddenly began on a day when we were heading to Bari for an away game. I've read about what happens in these situations to people who are used to working outside and sharing passions and emotions. I just love being out on the pitch and admit that the restrictions have made it really tough. I've suffered in all the ways that people can suffer. In the first month, I struggled to do everything. Later down the line, I started planning for next season and got back into the flow of working to some extent, but I can't wait to get back, be with the squad, coach the players and work on tactics."