The Lucchese Football Club is currently facing dire financial challenges, leading to unpaid salaries, operational turmoil, and the looming threat of collapse. Once celebrated with ambitions of grandeur, the club now stands precariously close to entering the abyss for the fourth time in 17 years, all stemming from confusing ownership transitions and unsustainable financial mismanagement.
Founded amid the excitement of competitive football, Lucchese now finds itself grappling with the real possibility of falling out of professional status. Discontent and frustration have spread among players and fans alike as they witness their beloved club struggle to meet its obligations
Uncertainty has engulfed the club since the resignation of president Giuseppe Longo, making headlines and raising alarms about the lack of clarity and financial viability. Amid these turbulent times, local businesses, driven by community spirit, have stepped forward to help keep the club afloat. Among them is the 'Mercatino del Pesce', which has generously donated €900 to fund the team's travel expenses to their next match against Sestri Levante.
Coach Giorgio Gorgone expressed his disappointment, stating, "Longo, Sampietro, la Sanbabila, la SLT ci hanno lasciato soli. La nostra situazione rischia di diventare insostenibile." (Translation: 'Longo, Sampietro, Sanbabila, SLT have left us alone. Our situation risks becoming unsustainable.'). His sentiments reflect the struggles and emotional weight borne by players who have had to resort to using their own vehicles for transportation when club support wavers.
A culmination of unpaid salaries since October has prompted intervention from the Associazione Italiana Calciatori (AIC), which echoed the players' sentiments, stating, "Queste condizioni non sono dignitose né rispettose della nostra professionalità" (Translation: 'These conditions are neither dignified nor respectful of our professionalism.'). Their frustration is palpable, with players now faced with mounting personal financial obligations, from mortgages to bills, as they strive to remain competitive on the field.
Despite the bleak scenario, the players remain steadfast, rallying behind each other with the shared goal of completing the season strong, displaying professional integrity. They are not only playing for themselves but also for the city of Lucca and its dedicated fanbase who have refused to abandon them during these challenging times.
Social media and national news have been abuzz with discussions surrounding Lucchese's operational struggles and the search for new ownership. Following the exit of previous owner Andrea Bulgarella, who had grand ambitions for the club, the ownership changed hands rapidly, first to Sanbabila Srl, then to SLT, composed of Roman accountants who lack experience within the football industry.
These transitions have not only plagued the club with uncertainty but have also led to severe operational failures. There has been no effective communication between the current board and the team, leaving players and staff at the mercy of decisions made by those far removed from the daily grind of competitive sport.
Critically, the club currently occupies 16th place within Serie C, perilously close to the relegation zone. Each match henceforth is pivotal, not merely for points but for reinforcing the fragile hopes and aspirations of survival for both players and fans. Gorgone summed it up as he called for solidarity within the local community, emphasizing: “Ai lucchesi, alle istituzioni e agli sportivi chiedo soltanto un sostegno morale” (Translation: 'To the Lucca community, institutions, and sports enthusiasts, I merely ask for moral support.').
Looking forward, Lucchese faces the immediate challenge of Sestri Levante, where they must capitalize on the support they’ve garnered. The dedication of local businesses has not gone unnoticed as players prepare to honor the jerseys they wear, testing their resolve and commitment through adversity.
It remains to be seen if the winds will change direction for Lucchese, but one thing is clear; the team's struggle is not just theirs alone. It embodies the spirit of Lucca, its people, and their unwavering support. The clock is ticking, and every match takes on the weight of significance.