After 11 goals in 18 games for RFC Liege in the Belgian second tier, Sint Truiden snapped up Adriano Bertaccini in January. Many felt that this would be an ideal partnership between the player and the club under then head coach Thorsten Fink. However, the German felt that the striker was not ready to be a major part of his side, given the way that Fink’s team were set up in terms of pressing and moving the ball. Fink wanted to be patient with the forward, limiting him to just 13 appearances, mainly off the bench. Bertaccini scored four times but struggled to force his way into Fink’s starting XI.
Fast forward a few months, Fink has since gone and Felice Mazzu has taken over. Bertaccini is now the main man for the Canaries. After a brace against Westerlo on Saturday night, the striker has scored an impressive five goals in just three games. Overall, he now has nine goals in 11 games, propelling the 24-year-old to top scorer in the Pro League for now. The former Belgian youth international has spent most of his time in the lower reaches of Belgian football, but last season was a real breakout year in the second tier for Bertaccini. Now, he is starting to show what he can do at the top level.
✌️ | Adriano Bertaccini est impitoyable dans la surface ! 🐥🇧🇪 #GNKSTV pic.twitter.com/UBOllpSSCq
— DAZN Belgique (@DAZN_BEFR) October 22, 2024
Yet he could have even more goals to his name. The striker’s excellent movement means he is able to find himself in positions to score more often than not, and with some improved efficiency he could really start to challenge for the top scoring title this season. His work rate will endear him to any fanbase, and it is clear he is quickly becoming a fan favourite amongst the Sint Truiden faithful. Bertaccini channels this energy into constantly harassing defenders and playing off the shoulder, looking to constantly get in behind. Moreover, he celebrates every goal like he has never scored one before.
Mazzu has led a mini revival at a Sint Truiden side who looked dead and buried after a humiliating defeat to Antwerp in August. They have now lost just once in nine games. Mazzu has sorted out the defence, while upfront he has the likes of Bertaccini finding the net regularly. It should not be long before the Canaries are starting to build a gap to the relegation places.
