THE INTERVIEW. The former striker from Albano Sant’Alessandro, who grew up in Atalanta, is the assistant coach of the Asian national team, participating in the World Cup for the first time: «It’s a dream to be there, we’re working to make a good impression. I like to help the forwards, the squad is of quality».
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3 min read.In the end, it’s just a matter of a vowel. Between Atalanta and Atlanta, the step is short, especially for someone from Bergamo, despite the Ocean, about ten hours of flight, and six time zones in between. In a summer where Italy will watch the World Cup from home for the third consecutive time, our province will still be represented on the most prestigious stage of world football.
In the record-breaking tournament – 48 teams, over 1,200 players, more than a thousand coaches and staff, and over 100 matches – there will also be a single person from Bergamo: Rolando Bianchi, 43 years old, from Albano Sant’Alessandro. A former striker who grew up in Atalanta’s youth academy, today he is Fabio Cannavaro’s assistant on the Uzbekistan bench after some coaching experiences, including in the Nerazzurri youth sector.
A story that starts from the Orobic roots and reaches the United States, to Atlanta, Georgia, where the Central Asian national team will have its base during the World Cup. «The goal is to give our best to leave something in the annals of Uzbekistan – explains Bianchi -. We are currently in training camp between the United States and Canada for friendly matches. It’s the first World Cup in Uzbek history, and we want to make a good impression. For me too, it’s a great emotion: experiencing such an event as a coach is a dream. I am grateful to Fabio, a great coach as well as an absolute champion, and to his brother Paolo Cannavaro, with whom I had worked in the past and have a special relationship. Since we arrived in Uzbekistan, we have been doing important work».
The challenge with CR7’s Portugal
In the group, there will be high-level opponents, starting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, as well as Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The debut is set for June 18 at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City against the South Americans. And there is confidence within the staff led by former World Champion Cannavaro. «The squad is of quality, and the players have a great predisposition for work and growth – Bianchi continues -. We will have to be organized and take care of every detail». The feelings are positive also because Uzbek football is experiencing a phase of strong development. «Khusanov from Manchester City and former Roma player Shomurodov are symbols of this growth, but the local league also offers interesting players.
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«Here there are facilities, investments, and vision»
In the youth teams, there are many talents, and we place great hopes in the future. Here you find state-of-the-art facilities, investments, and vision. There is room to work well. The country (along the Silk Road) is beautiful, but we are so focused on work that I haven’t been able to visit much outside the capital Tashkent».
A natural center-forward, Bianchi has worn, among others, the jerseys of Atalanta, Reggina, Manchester City, Lazio, and Torino, surpassing one hundred professional goals. «The experience as a striker helps to read certain game situations. We have interesting forwards, and I try to pass on advice on timing runs and attacking the goal».
«Always grateful to Atalanta»
But if the present speaks Uzbek, the heart continues to beat for Bergamo. «I always say that I have to thank Atalanta both as a player and as a coach. It allowed me to train and grow. At Zingonia, a lot of work is also done on the human aspect, a decisive legacy in my development. I was fortunate to grow up in an extraordinary youth sector. I owe a lot to my coaches and to Mino Favini: first they helped me become a man and then a footballer». According to Bianchi, Atalanta’s youth academy continues to produce talents and represents an internationally recognized model. «Atalanta’s path must continue to be that of bringing as many players as possible to the first team. Zingonia is a model, and Atalanta is now known all over the world. A player who grew up here is recognized everywhere: it’s a true trademark. The youth academy is flourishing; I think of Palestra, Vavassori, Bernasconi, Comi, Obric, Misitano, and Gasparello. A striker for the future? I’d say 20-year-old Henry, he has great potential». Roots remain a fixed point for Bianchi, who lives in Zandobbio.
The bond with Bergamo
«I consider myself lucky because I have a family with solid values, and I experience my connection with Bergamo deeply. I recognize myself in our work culture. I really enjoy coaching, and I feel I can pass on my history and knowledge. Soon I will announce a collaboration with a Bergamo club to support the growth of young players. In Italy, there is talent, but it needs to be accompanied by competence and dedication. And I hope we can restart from here after the missed World Cup qualifications». The future is still unwritten. Now, however, the focus is on Mexico City, for a page of Uzbek history that also smells of Bergamo.
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