🎙️INTERVIEW | Mazzitelli to Il Corriere dello Sport
Roma midfielder Luca Mazzitelli gave an exclusive interview to “Il Corriere dello Sport,” out today, just days before the match at the Stadio Olimpico. Here’s an excerpt from his comments:
MAXIMUM FOCUS
“The victory over Juve will go down in the Cagliari annals, but the one against Verona was even more important, because it gave us the confidence that we can secure survival. But the finish line is still a long way off. Of course, thinking we’ve already achieved it would be the biggest mistake. We must continue like this, heads down, with maximum concentration. Starting with the next match, against Roma: a great team, led by a brilliant coach. In just a few months, Gasperini has made his mark. He’ll fight until the end with Juventus for a Champions League spot.”
THE CONNECTION WITH ROME
“You took your first steps in football in Rome. I started on the school pitch. I was already the best and very competitive. Then came the football school and the Giallorossi youth team. Then I began the tour of Italy. What remains of my Roman roots? Everything. Being away from my city, I appreciated it even more. Living here, I didn’t realize that. I have family, friends, I love everything about this complex but wonderful city.”
WORK PAYS
“To think I’d never been to Sardinia before. I arrived here after a season where I hadn’t played much, first at Como and then at Sassuolo. So it took a period of adjustment; I wasn’t in top physical condition, and I paid the price. I stuck to my guns and put in my all in every training session. Pavoletti gave me a huge hand, he was there for me and encouraged me. Now things are going well. The goal against Juve? An immense joy. When I saw Gaetano’s low free kick, I decided to take it; it was the only thing I could have done. I turned around and saw the ball flying away nicely, with Perin covered. Then, the stadium erupted.”
THE GROWTH OF THE TEAM
“The coach has a strong personality; he’s overcome difficult times due to serious injuries to Belotti, Felici, and others. Like all of us, he’s growing and has a bright future ahead of him. He also had the brilliant idea of deploying Gaetano as a playmaker. I realized after two minutes of training that Gianluca had great technical ability. But now he’s showing great consistency. My role? I can play in several positions in midfield, depending on the game and what the coach asks of me. Playing as a center back, you’re used to having a complete overview of the pitch, which helps you interpret situations and predict how the game will unfold. I’m enjoying it.”
