Press conference introducing Beruatto, Candela, and Loria

In the beautiful setting of Terre di Luni, hosted by Spigas Clienti, main sponsor and longtime partner of the Club, the presentation of Pietro Beruatto, Antonio Candela, and Leonardo Loria took place this morning, with Sports Director Stefano Melissano and several Spezia Calcio partners in attendance.

Pietro Beruatto: “I’ve had the pleasure of playing in La Spezia many times as an opponent, and the stadium and atmosphere are truly incredible. It’s always been exciting to play here. Spezia is a great club, and when they call, it’s hard to say no.

The impact of joining Spezia has been very positive. I already knew a lot of the guys, so it was easy to settle in, it already feels like I’ve been here for years. I’ve had the chance to reconnect with the coach and get to know his staff, and that’s been very positive as well.

As for Loria, we’ve known each other for a while. He’s a great guy, easy to get along with, with a strong personality. I’ve always enjoyed being around him.

I’ve been playing in Serie B for a few years now, and it’s always a very tough league. In my view, 45 points are the foundation to start from. After that, it’s about taking it one game at a time, because in Serie B anything can happen and nothing is guaranteed. Personally, I hope to bring my experience and, playing as a wing-back, contribute with goals and assists as well.

Whether it’s an advantage or disadvantage that Spezia isn’t seen among the top favorites right now, I’m not sure, but I know we have a strong squad and a very healthy locker room. That’s not something you find everywhere, and I believe we have everything we need to do really well.

I spent two years with the coach, and finding him here again was great. His playing style is similar to what I knew from my time in Pisa, although this season, with quality players like Esposito, it’s natural that the play runs more through him. Still, the overall approach remains the same, with a few new wrinkles.

Competition is important, it keeps the training intensity high. Of course, nobody likes not playing, but we’re an intelligent group and I’m confident that whoever isn’t in the starting lineup will work even harder to earn their spot.

Preseason camp helps a lot, both physically and mentally. I just arrived, but I’ve already connected with the team, and it honestly feels like I’ve been here for months".

Antonio Candela: “Coming back to Spezia means coming home for me, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I grew up here in the youth sector, where I spent seven years. So, returning after such a long time is both emotional and a source of pride. I want to thank the Director for making this possible, and now it’s up to me to give back to the club that allowed me to become a professional player.

The impact has been positive. I already knew the environment, got to know the staff, and was familiar with many of the players. It’s a place where you can work well, and I believe we can achieve a lot together. Of course, in the first two league matches we wanted more points, but it’s still early, and we’re here to work. I’m confident we can start doing really well right away, beginning this Sunday.

I know I’ve come in to replace an important player for the team, but I don’t want to make comparisons. I’m a different type of player, and I just want to focus on my game. My hope is to have a strong season and contribute, not only with assists and goals but also with my attitude. Playing as a wing-back means covering both phases of play, and since I started out as a full-back, I know I can still improve in the final third.

Serie B is a tough and unique competition, as we’ve already seen in the first matches. The key is to take it game by game, that’s the only way to succeed. The main target is reaching those famous 45 points that give peace of mind, and from there, we’ll try to set higher goals. Personally, I want to contribute as much as possible with assists, goals, and leadership. Being from Spezia, I feel I can give something extra and pass that passion on to my teammates.

In Serie B, having a united group makes a big difference, and we also have plenty of talented players. We’ve had some absences early on, but the squad is coming together, and I think we’ll make our mark.

I’ve found a more solid Spezia, thanks also to three years in Serie A. That experience means a lot. This is an important club in Serie B, one that has been consolidated for years now. The stadium has been renovated, the Picco is really a gem, and the fans are always close to the team. That bond is incredible, and I noticed it especially two years ago when I came here with Venezia for the last match of the season. That kind of support is a huge factor for us.

I have no regrets about my career. I always give my best, and along the way you might get more or less lucky, but in football you can’t live with regrets.

Preseason camp with the team and the coach is vital. It helps you settle into the locker room and learn the team’s patterns right away. Thanks to the help of teammates and staff, our integration has been quick, and everything is going really well.”

Leonardo Loria: “First of all, I want to thank the Director for welcoming me here. Spezia is a very important club, in a fantastic city, and it would have been very hard to say no. Now I’m here, and I’ll give my all for the team and the city.

I’ve settled in really well. I already knew quite a few of the guys, including Antonio and Pietro, and some of the staff too. That’s made everything easier, and I’m very happy about it.

Beruatto? I’ve known him since our time at Juventus. He’s a very upbeat guy, gets along with everyone, humble, and has an incredible work ethic.

We need to take things one game at a time. This league is very particular, and the only way to succeed is by giving 100% every match. Then, at the end of the season, we’ll see where we stand.

As for the group, we’re solid, tight-knit, and have both the footballing and human qualities to get through tough moments. Whether it’s considered an advantage or disadvantage, our responsibility is to give everything, and in the end we’ll see the results.

I only spent one year with the coach, unlike Pietro, but I’ve found him in great shape, still himself, though he’s added some new ideas while keeping the same identity and personality that have always defined him. Personally, I’ve always had a great relationship with him, and I’m glad to be working with him again.

I have no regrets. When you approach each day with the same mentality and work ethic, you can’t have regrets. Of course, some things go your way and others don’t, but when you work well, there’s nothing to regret.

For me and Pietro, fitting into the coach’s system was straightforward since we already knew him. And with the rest of the squad, it’s been just as smooth, many of the guys we already knew, and everyone’s always ready to help. We’ve settled in really well, and we’re all ready to go".