THE INTERVIEW. The Atalanta striker after the first family friendly match: «There is great enthusiasm for the new course, we want to learn quickly».
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«Raspadori? I have been following him for a long time, now I am lucky to coach him after a 4-5 year pursuit». At the first press conference Maurizio Sarri did not hide his long-standing admiration for the Nerazzurri striker. Finally, the Sarri-Raspadori partnership is a done deal regardless of the central attacking role the coach had imagined.
Giacomo, now that your role is left winger, how are you managing the situation?
«I want to thank the coach for the words he has said about me, both privately and publicly: it is always very pleasing, not taken for granted. At the moment I am playing as a left winger: it is a role I know I can do, the coach asks me to stay quite inside the field. He knows what is best for the team, what he has in mind and wants to build collectively. We are working, focused on the concepts he wants to convey to the whole group: we are very motivated, we have a lot of enthusiasm, trying to learn as quickly as possible what his ideas are».
How much have you embraced the Atalanta mentality so far?
«Over the years as an opponent I have always perceived this fighting spirit and a great ambition: Atalanta shares it with all the people who work inside and it comes from the fans. In modern football all players must be able to perform both phases with great application and intensity».
From Simeone at Atletico Madrid to Maurizio Sarri passing through Palladino: how do you switch so quickly from one team to another, from one style of play to another?
«I have been very lucky in terms of coaches: I have learned that there is always something to learn, in football and in life. I believe the secret lies in work: to learn a different way of playing it is normal that time is needed. It is the only key I know: sweat for the shirt, as it is written on our collar».
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What are your feelings about the first days of work? How important is it for you to restart, with the goal of reclaiming the national team jersey?
«The first days of preparation are a fundamental moment: the foundations are laid for everything that will come, we have to be really good in the daily routine, to grasp everything that is asked of us and try to make it ours quickly. The thought of the national team is there: having a starring season with continuity at Atalanta is a goal I have in mind. Everything that concerns Italy goes through the club, it is an aspect I inevitably take into consideration».
What is the assessment of the 6 months spent in Bergamo last season?
«I have always thought that it is right to carry with you everything that has been, but you have to look ahead. Look to the future, appreciate what is about to come and work daily to build the best opportunities to get closer to your maximum. I am convinced that both as a team and personally we can do more, aiming to be our best version».
Goals for the coming season?
«I am a very ambitious guy, but at the same time I do not like to talk publicly about what I have inside. I know I have a lot to bring out and that I have not shown everything I can be for Atalanta. I am convinced that by working well together with my teammates and coach Sarri we can achieve great satisfaction».
