Bari, Maiello “professor” of the midfield: “Balance, humility and sacrifice are the cornerstones”

They call him “the professor”. All you need is to understand what the Bari supporters think of Raffaele Maiello. A play as reliable as it is navigated. At 32, married with 2 children, he is living at the Mignani court another gratifying season in his life. The third with Bari, the fifteenth of his professional career in which he collected 368 appearances and half a dozen shirts: from Napoli to Crotone, from Ternana to Empoli up to Frosinone and Bari. Always winning balls, sorting them, giving order to the maneuver, dictate the coordinates of the game. One thing is certain: when he and Mignani are there, the teammates and the fans are calmer. Like leaning on a solid bulwark that he always knows what to do.

from father to son

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Maiello’s career path is truly curious. He made his debut in Serie A as a boy, in Aurelio De Laurentiis’ Napoli: Napoli – Bologna 4-1 on 21 November 2010. After attending the fields of the senior category also with Empoli and Frosinone, in January 2022 he magically found himself employed of another De Laurentiis, Luigi. One of Aurelio’s sons, the president of Bari. And the point guard from Acerra immediately took on the role of protagonist, contributing to the Apulian team’s ascent to Serie B and the brilliant past season in which Mignani’s men touched Serie A heaven “If we continue to help each other as happened against Palermo – his confidence, after last Friday’s advance -, we will be able to do well again this year”. He needs three words to find the right formula: “Balance, humility and sacrifice. They must form the basis of our team. In Serie B they often make the difference”. In addition, Bari has always boasted an enviable audience. Over 22,000 spectators were in the stands for the championship premiere. “They offered yet another proof of their warmth, enthusiasm and support – says Maiello -. The fans are our added value”.