Pantaleo Corvino, Lecce’s technical director, reflected on the team’s recent resurgence and the future of their young star Patrick Dorgu in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. The seasoned football executive shares his thoughts on Lecce’s dramatic draw against Juventus, the impact of new coach Marco Giampaolo, and the club’s ongoing mission to establish itself in Serie A.
Corvino vividly described the emotional rollercoaster of Lecce’s recent match against Juventus. “At the 92nd minute, I could see the team was reborn. There was a strong reaction, with quality, and that vibrant second half showed the nature that had always belonged to us for years and seemed to have evaporated,” he recalled. The last-minute equalizer against the Turin giants filled him with pride, emphasizing the team’s ability to compete against economic powerhouses.
The technical director stressed the significance of Lecce’s presence in Serie A, calling it their “mission” and acknowledging the financial challenges they face. “Every morning, when we wake up very early, we think exclusively about how to achieve our goal,” Corvino stated, highlighting the club’s dedication to maintaining their top-flight status.
When discussing Patrick Dorgu, Lecce’s promising young talent, Corvino was effusive in his praise: “Dorgu is a potential champion. Correct that: he is a champion.” He confirmed that despite interest from other clubs, including Napoli, Dorgu will remain with Lecce until the summer. “A player of this kind has admirers, of course, and there are many for him, even abroad. But Dorgu stays here, and then in summer we’ll talk about it, because his destiny is set, the future belongs to him,” Corvino explained.
Corvino expressed optimism about new coach Marco Giampaolo’s influence on the team. “He has a strong work culture that captivates him 24 hours a day. He’s either on the field or at the headquarters. He has guaranteed us an intensity that had been lost and which for years has been one of our characteristics,” he said. The director believes Giampaolo’s approach aligns well with the club’s ethos, stating, “As they say, like attracts like… And I hope, I think I have found him.”
