Cantù: Many fans are giving up hope; there’s already talk of A2

Anger is slowly giving way to resignation. Among Pallacanestro Cantù fans, after yet another crushing defeat, even the hope for a turnaround seems to have faded. Comments are multiplying on social media from those who now consider relegation to A2 inevitable, while others are calling for immediate action by the club to try to salvage a season that got off to the worst possible start.

The pessimism is evident in the words of Francesco Mina, who sums up the situation with an eloquent “A2 is a done deal.” Gianfry Rinaldi is even more categorical: “We’re in A2 now.” Piergiorgio Mariani leaves no room for interpretation: “Relegation is a sure thing!!!”

There are also those who try to envision the future with bitter irony. Carlo Mornata observes: “But we’ll have the most beautiful arena in all of A2,” while Federico Livio finds at least one small source of consolation: “If I have to go watch the A2 series, at least I don’t have to go to Desio anymore.” Marco Millefanti directly links the new arena project to the team’s struggles: “Cantù Next—without A1, there’s not much ‘next’ about it; you can’t fill the arena with the Harlem Globetrotters when you’re playing against Ruvo di Puglia.”

The disappointment is particularly strong among those who fear that a possible relegation could lead to a long period away from the top division. Fabio Mapelli writes: “We’re paying the price for not getting relegated last year… the problem is that if you go down to A2, you never come back up…” Stefano Broggi is already looking ahead to next season: “Let’s start over with Udom and Parravicini for a respectable A2 season, aiming to avoid relegation.”

There’s no shortage of comparisons to some of the darkest chapters in Italian basketball history. Luigi Papini confesses: “I’m increasingly convinced that we’ll match the season of IRGE DESIO, which was relegated in ’91 without winning a single game.” Davide Rossini, on the other hand, simply admits: “I really struggle to be optimistic with a roster like this.”

Criticism inevitably also falls on head coach Frank Vitucci and the front office. Pierantonio Jefferson Starship calls for “Resignations starting at the top,” while Daniele Tagliabue demands in no uncertain terms: “Issue a press release announcing Vitucci’s dismissal if you have any dignity.”

Mauro Radice pinpoints specific responsibilities in the team’s construction: “There’s nothing to be done—the court is a relentless judge: the Giofrè-Vitucci duo has put together a team of embarrassingly poor technical and athletic quality.” The same fan believes that making changes to a roster like this is now an extremely complicated undertaking.

Some are also criticizing the club’s business decisions. Fabio Mrn points out: “The team isn’t performing, we’re in last place, but the important thing is to raise ticket prices for the game against Milan.” Massimo Broggi expresses his deep bitterness: “I can’t even find the words to express my bitterness… I regret buying a season ticket.”

The most widespread sentiment, however, remains one of profound sadness over the state of a club with such a prestigious history. Manlio Cassarà writes: “A glorious jersey—what a terrible end it’s coming to,” while Luca Riboldi, though not hiding his disappointment, reaffirms his loyalty to the blue-and-white colors: “We’re really terrible!… Always Forza Cantù.”