Moncini urges Bari: "Caserta is a guarantee, and they want to redeem themselves."

Amid the mountains of Abruzzo, where the air is thin but ambitions are high, Bari is building its future. The preseason training camp in Roccaraso represents the first test for the new management entrusted to Fabio Caserta, a meticulous and determined coach tasked with reviving the ambitions of a club aiming to return to a leading role in Serie B. Among the players in the new red and white attack is Gabriele Moncini, a new face but already familiar to the Calabrian coach, having shared the same experience at Benevento in the 2021/22 season.

Moncini, born in 1996, arrived in Bari as a free agent after his last season at Brescia. He joined Lorenzo Dickmann and Matthias Verreth, former members of the Rondinelle squad and now teammates in their new adventure in Puglia. The Tuscan striker has chosen the red and white project to relaunch his career, building on a resume that speaks for itself: 322 professional appearances, 103 goals scored, and a long career spanning the lower divisions, Serie C, and even a few appearances in Serie A.

The first impressions from the training camp are encouraging, as Moncini himself explains: "The feeling is positive. Obviously, we're putting a lot of energy into our legs between training on the pitch and in the gym. So, we're a little weighed down. However, the right chemistry is developing within the group. Coach Caserta is trying to give us initial tactical instructions and his playing ideas. And, for our part, we're doing everything we can to follow him." The atmosphere in Roccaraso is just right. Fatigue, yes, but also smiles and camaraderie. The group is growing stronger day after day, between tactical exercises and moments of lightheartedness. "It's important to try to work hard with a smile," continues the Pistoia striker, "because this preseason training camp is the toughest and most demanding period of the entire season. To make it pass as quickly as possible and to bond the group, joking and approaching everything with a lighthearted attitude and a laugh is the best way."

For his part, Caserta leaves nothing to chance. His approach is rigorous, almost obsessive in his attention to detail. The team only had half a day off, granted after the friendly against Castel di Sangro. Otherwise, the pace was tight and the focus was on maximum concentration. "I know Caserta and his approach well, having previously shared the Benevento stint with him. He's a tough nut to crack," he assures. "I know that if we're good at following his instructions, we can achieve some great results." Moncini doesn't hide his desire for revenge after a difficult year in Brescia. "I'm fired up and I want to redeem myself after a so-so last season in Brescia. I want to bounce back."

Born in Pistoia on April 26, 1996, Moncini developed his footballing career in the youth teams of Prato and Juventus. After his initial experiences in Serie C, he established himself in Serie B with Cesena, Cittadella, and Benevento, scoring double figures in more than one season. Regardless of his current market value, the Biancorossi forward's potential remains to be fully realized, especially in a vibrant and ambitious club like Bari. Technically, the player describes himself clearly: "Without a doubt, in terms of playing as a team, I think I've improved a lot. Also because, in today's football, a modern striker must offer a huge boost to all departments. The area we need to improve is consistency throughout the year. Serie B is a long season, and there will be times when my legs will be a little weak. I need to be able to keep my mind focused on the objective and find the right consistency." Serie B, after all, is an unpredictable league, where nothing is guaranteed and every match can change the fate of a season. "Lately," he emphasizes, "there are teams equipped to win the championship. And many others, including those considered favorites, are struggling. I think Serie B is a wonderful tournament for this reason too. Because teams that start out aiming for promotion to Serie A can also find themselves fighting for survival. It's crucial to get off to a good start. Then, I believe the final sprint begins from March onwards. The most crucial strategic phase."

Among the interesting things that have emerged in these first days of training camp, Moncini's special relationship with Lorenzo Dickmann, with whom he has shared the field for four seasons, stands out: "It makes you smile. Not me, because I've been playing with him for four years now. I'm happy about that, and I hope he can provide me with plenty of assists this year to score." Determination, a spirit of sacrifice, and a clear philosophy: never give up. "Something my agent always tells me, and my father used to say it too, is to never give up, no matter what happens. I recently saw an interview with Vieri where he said exactly that. A decisive goal can come even in the 90th minute." Finally, a message to the red and white fans, who remain expectant, hoping for a radical change in the club's prospects and ambitions: "I'll be waiting for you at the stadium and I hope to achieve great things with you," Moncini's motto to his new fans. Some of whom are currently attending the training camp in Abruzzo. Some will arrive today to attend today's third friendly against Campobasso. A useful test to put into practice what we've learned during these days of work and to continue building, step by step, the identity of a team that wants to make people dream again.