After an intense season, which culminated with the elimination in the Serie C playoff semi-finals, Legnano Baseball is ready to start again with renewed enthusiasm and great ambitions. The red and white club has announced a new technical staff, called upon to guide the first team towards the dream of promotion to Serie B, without neglecting the development of the youth sector, which has always been a pillar of the club’s philosophy.
The new technical project will be led by Fabio Sampaolo, appointed First Team Manager. As highlighted by Sports Director Gustavo Provasi, Sampaolo brings with him a 360-degree wealth of experience in the world of baseball, both as a high-level player and as a coach and manager: “I am really proud to announce the arrival of Fabio. His humanity, technical expertise and deep knowledge of baseball represent added value for our club. He is a figure who has always demonstrated great professionalism and who will make a fundamental contribution to the growth of Legnano Baseball.”
With a playing career in the top Italian league and a coaching career in various clubs in Central Italy, Fabio Sampaolo has also held prestigious managerial roles, such as the presidency of Macerata in Serie A1. “His complete vision of the game and proven experience on the field – continues Provasi – make him the right person to accelerate the process of growth and improvement, not only of individual athletes, but of the entire team”.
Alongside Sampaolo, the new pitching coach will be Pablo Piña, a very high profile figure on the international scene. Originally from Venezuela, Piña boasts a professional playing career between Mexico, Venezuela and the United States. In Italy, he has collaborated with historic realities such as Godo, Rimini, Nettuno and Torre Pedrera, where in 2017 he led the Under 15 team to win the title of Italian Champion in the category.
“Pablo is not just a pitching coach – explains Provasi – but a multi-purpose figure who can work on every technical aspect, from attack to defense. He will be crucial both for the first team and for the growth of the young pitchers in our academy.”
The technical staff will be completed by Piero Bonetti, already a point of reference in the red and white youth sector, who has decided to expand his commitment by also collaborating with the first team:
“His ability to work with young people and his willingness to contribute even in a more competitive context such as that of the first team confirm his dedication and importance for the club,” added Provasi.
Bonetti has a career spanning more than five decades in the world of baseball and softball. After making his debut in Serie A in 1972 with Unipol Bologna Norditalia Bollate, he continued with experiences in Rome and Novara, then starting his career as a coach in 1976. He coached baseball teams in various places, including in Italy Milan and Seveso and in Germany with Falcon Ulm in the Bundesliga.
Piero Bonetti has also held important managerial roles, including the presidency of Saronno Softball from 2015 to 2020, and in 2023 he was assistant to the manager of the Swiss national team at the European championships in the Czech Republic. Since 2024 he has collaborated with Legnano Baseball Softball, focusing on the youth sector.
With a mix of experience, technical skills and a clear strategic vision, Legnano Baseball aims to consolidate the results already achieved and build a season full of satisfactions. The new technical staff represents a fundamental pillar to achieve the ambitious goal of bringing the club back to the top, combining success on the field and the growth of the youth academy to guarantee continuity and talent for the future of Legnano baseball.
