Olbia's pre-season training was supposed to begin today. On June 3rd, in a massive press conference orchestrated by Benno Räber , head of the club's sports project and board member, technical director Manuel Gonzalez announced that training would begin on July 23rd.

At the time, Lucas Gatti's return to the Whites' bench was announced, along with the club's goal of achieving a promotion to the top division after last year's painful relegation. Much has changed since then, but—especially—in light of the financial difficulties of the Swiss owners, no strangers to such crises, the season promises to be no less challenging than the one that ended in May with a last-minute relegation attempt. This begins with building a squad that, in terms of signings, has lost, amid the uncertainty of the last month and a half, valuable players Gatti—who, incidentally, has not yet signed—was counting on to start the season with an extra edge.

The completion of the necessary documentation for registration in the 2025/26 Serie D season was also last minute, with the payment of the May salaries to registered players due on Monday. If the LND Board of Directors admits Olbia on Friday—as is hoped and expected—the delay in submitting the releases compared to the first deadline of July 10th will cost the Gallura team a handicapped start, a significant two-point deficit in the standings, and a €5,000 fine. These penalties will be added to those for the late payment of the June salary, which should have already been paid.

Meanwhile, Olbia Calcio has appointed Alessandro Giorgi, appointed director of affiliations a month ago, as general manager. According to the club's press release, the move is part of a "managerial restructuring process." Regarding the role of the former scout for the LND youth team, promoted due to his "extensive experience in football, business, and consulting," the Olbia Calcio press release specifies that "he will work closely with the Board of Directors, which will retain its role as decision-maker and supervisor of all operations."

It remains to be seen what will happen to Gonzalez and Gatti , who are not a little annoyed by the general situation, and to the players who a month ago were inclined to wear the white shirt: given the evolution of the last few weeks, some could migrate elsewhere following the example of (in order) Costanzo, Rizzo, De Grazia, Della Salandra and Pani, who have already signed with other clubs.

Unless, as many hope and some hypothesize, SwissPro is persuaded to step aside: the possibility of a sale to a group of local entrepreneurs—the same ones who, it is rumored, have raised the sum necessary to pay the May salary—may no longer be so remote.

© Riproduzione riservata