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Author: Steven Moore

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Lecce Serie A

Gabriel Strefezza Discusses Lecce Performances & Umtiti’s Resurgence

Gabriel Strefezza Discusses Lecce Performances & Umtiti’s Resurgence
Gabriel Strefezza - Lecce - Serie A - TLN

Lecce attacker Gabriel Strefezza sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 22 to speak about the start of his career in Italy, the club’s performances this season and teammate Samuel Umtiti.

Career Story

He is one of Serie A’s smallest players. Just 5 foot six inches tall. But Lecce winger Strefezza makes up for his height with his heart.

“When I first came to Italy I went to Lazio and Palermo for trials. I was tested out at these teams. I wasn’t taken on by Lazio because the coach said I was too short and that I wouldn’t be useful to them. I never threw in the towel though and I always kept up my aim of making it to Serie A. My height actually became my strong point. I know that I’m small but I’m also really strong. I’m capable of playing in midfield and between the lines. I’m quick on the turn, something I’ve been good at since I was a child, and I cause trouble with my dribbling. So those are my strong points. Being diminutive gives me an advantage when taking on opponents and I never let anyone walk all over me through the fact that I’m short. That’s my strength.”

Lecce Performances

The 25-year-old Brazilian has already contributed 7 goals – helping  Marco Baroni’s men defy expectations. The league’s youngest side are nine points clear of the relegation zone.

“The gaffer Baroni has made us play fearlessly. We’re a really young Serie A side, and few of us have featured in Serie A before. He’s given us a lot of peace of mind so that we can play free from pressure. What he asks more than anything is that we keep our heads and have fun. He tells us: “Lads, when you go out on to the pitch have fun, play with a smile on your faces, have a go at the opposition, and show no fear of losing the ball or taking risks.” That’s how we’ve always approached games and we take joy from what we do.”

The Experienced Samuel Umtiti

Strefezza also praises world-class defender Samuel Umtiti for his influence on this group of newcomers. The 28-year-old Frenchman has been marshalling the Giallorossi’s back-line and breathing new life into his own career.

“He makes us youngsters feel much more confident. He’s got so much experience and he helps out the youngsters a lot in training, always offering advice. He’s now back in great shape, almost how he was at Barcelona, so he’s helping out the team even more, not just with his mindset but also his footballing contributions. It really helps us having such a player in our team, keeping us calm both on and off the pitch.”

Full Interview With Gabriel Strefezza

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Fiorentina Serie A

Giacomo Bonaventura Discusses Fiorentina Performances & Manager Italiano

Giacomo Bonaventura Discusses Fiorentina Performances & Manager Italiano
Giacomo Bonaventura - Fiorentina - Serie A - TLN

Fiorentina midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 22 to speak about leaving his mark on the league, reuniting with Vincenzo Italiano, and the club’s failure to live up to expectations this season.

Longevity in Serie A

The 33-year-old’s recently signed a contract extension with Fiorentina through to 2024. Having made 337 Serie A appearances, the masked midfielder wants to continue at the top level – following in the footsteps of some evergreen legends.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside Ibra and Ribery and I’ve seen that through their hard work and considered approaches they’ve managed to keep playing at a high level into their forties. I hope that I can keep playing for as long as possible. I’ve played so many games in Serie A. That makes me proud. I’ve worked under so many coaches who’ve taught me a lot and shared a great deal of wisdom with me. This has helped me a lot. What’s important is having a well-drilled team, a coach who instils certain principles and a structured way of playing, and being in good physical shape. This leads to great performances.”

Reuniting With Vincenzo Italiano

Viola coach Italiano rarely passes up on Bonaventura’s vision and poise on the ball. The two were teammates at Padova in 2010 and share the same football philosophy.

“Since the coach has come in our playing style has changed a lot. I met him as a youngster when he was a veteran. We played alongside one another. You could already see the coach in him back then. Although he was still playing he acted a bit like a coach. When we reunited here I remember meeting up on the first day and chatting for an hour in the dressing room. I understood right away what his ideas were for the team. I went away thinking that Italiano would do a great job here.”

Reasons for Underperforming

After returning to European competition, thanks to their high-tempo attacking game, this season Fiorentina have been struggling to live up to expectations and sit 13th.

“We’ve had a turnover of three or four players since last season. Some of the newcomers found it hard to bed into Serie A. However I’ve seen that as a team we’re in better shape and players including those who’ve come from abroad have bought right into the coach’s ideas and now know what Italian football is all about. I think we can go from strength to strength.”

Full Interview With Giacomo Bonaventura

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Sassuolo Serie A

Armand Lauriente Discusses Sassuolo Form & Skill Set

Armand Lauriente Discusses Sassuolo Form & Skill Set
Armand Lauriente - Sassuolo - Serie A - TLN

Sassuolo attacker Armand Lauriente sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 22 to speak about his current form, what he would like to work on, and his skill set.

Sassuolo’s In-Form Attacker

Until two weeks ago, Sassuolo were in crisis: taking only two points from eight games. They looked toothless and were sinking fast. Then, the Neroverdi shocked the champions… Six days later, they defeated Atalanta. If Alessio Dionisi’s job is no longer on the line, he owes much to an arrow on the left wing with a trademark scoring style.

“I don’t have a favourite position to score from but I often find myself in the same spot. I’m a right-footer playing on the left so I often shift onto my right to shoot. It’s a position I often find myself in.”

What Lauriente Would Like to Improve

Besides his eye for goal, in his first season in Italy, Lauriente has shown flair, pace, vision and skill… Does this new Sassuolo forward have any flaws?

“What would I like to improve? I want to be even more incisive, to take my game to the next level. I want to be as effective as I can in every match, whether that’s setting up goals or scoring myself. You have to keep improving. Occasionally I forget about my defensive duties. I could do better defensively. Those are the areas I’d improve.”

One of Serie A’s Top Creators

Raised not far from Paris and a student at the famous Clairefontaine academy, like Kylian Mbappe, Laurienté enchants the aesthetes and impresses the analysts: in addition to 4 goals and 3 assists, he’s among the top three players in Serie A for chances created, shots on goal and dribbling!

“I’ve always been good at it. I think in my position it’s important to be able to go past an opponent at the right time. I just try to look at how my opponent is positioned. I’m lucky in that I’m quite fast so I don’t need that many tricks to be able to beat my man. I like Dionisi’s methods. With his tactics, I am able to get into positions where I can take people on and make an impact. I can’t have any complaints regarding the tactics. I really like what we’re doing. We try to get on the ball, without overdoing it. We want to be as effective as we can, getting towards the opponents’ goal.”

Full Interview With Armand Lauriente

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Empoli Exclusives Serie A

Razvan Marin Discusses Empoli Transfer, Romania National Team, EURO 2024 & More

Razvan Marin Discusses Empoli Transfer, Romania National Team, EURO 2024 & More
Razvan Marin - Empoli - Serie A - TLN Exclusive Interview

Empoli midfielder Razvan Marin was exclusively interviewed by TLN TV to discuss his transfer to the club, Manager Paolo Zanetti, impressive teammates, signing for Ajax, his most memorable career moment to date, EURO 2024, and much more.

Empoli Transfer

Following Cagliari’s relegation from Serie A, Marin signed for Empoli on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

“I was happy because when I heard about their interest about me, I was happy because I know that Empoli is a good club like with really everything that you need to perform, you will find here. I was happy and I didn’t think twice when I had to choose…”

Manager Paolo Zanetti

40-year-old Zanetti was appointed as Empoli Manager in June 2022 following a two-year stint with Venezia. After 22 matches this season, he holds a record of 6W-8D-8L, averaging 1.18 points per match.

“He really wants to do something with the club, with the team and not just to fight for not relegating in second division. So I think that’s really important and then he wants to play a nice football or fancy football – I like that style of coaching…”

Impressive Empoli Players

There is a mix of youth and experienced players, in addition to diversity, in this Empoli squad. Marin identified a few of his teammates that have stood out to him so far.

“Baldanzi, Fazzini that they played, also Satriano he’s also young, but he’s on loan from Inter Milan. And then with experience, we have Mattia Destro that he’s an important player in Serie A. We have a good mix, I think between young players and experienced players, so I think that’s good for the team…”

Signing for Ajax

Marin was named as one of Romania’s best prospects before joining Ajax, who are known for having a terrific academy and youth structure. Despite other potential opportunities, there was never any doubt when they came calling.

“Ajax was directly my first choice. When I heard about Ajax, and also I was like 23 years old so I was still young, but there were already some other clubs interested in me. But Ajax was coming first. They really wanted me and I didn’t think more I just said to my agent also I want to go to Ajax…”

Most Memorable Career Moment to Date

A regular on International Duty, with 44 caps at the age of 26, Marin has one moment that he cherishes the most so far; however, that is hopefully soon to change.

“My first game with Romania. Because I also scored and I gave an assist. So I had my perfect debut in the National Team and I hope next year to start with the qualification for euros and then I can create even more memories with the national Team…”

Romania & EURO 2024

Romania have been placed in Group I – alongside Andorra, Belarus, Israel, Kosovo, and Switzerland – for the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifiers. Marin and his teammates have high hopes about participating in the competition.

“Yes, I think so, I really believe it. I spoke to my teammates – everyone really believes in this qualification group and we need to make it. We need to get there in the end of qualifications – we need to be there…”

Watch the Full Interview With Razvan Marin

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Napoli Serie A

Giovanni Di Lorenzo Discusses Napoli Captaincy & Scudetto Chances

Giovanni Di Lorenzo Discusses Napoli Captaincy & Scudetto Chances
Giovanni Di Lorenzo - Napoli - Serie A

Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 21 to speak about his growth as a professional, becoming the captain of the Partenopei, and the 2022-23 Scudetto.

Youth to Professional Career

A knack for scoring runs through the veins of fullback Di Lorenzo. He showed it right from the start.

“Like many others, I started out as a forward. I scored loads of goals, and that’s where my nickname Batigol comes from… Becoming a professional footballer was a lifelong dream of mine. Over time this became a realistic objective… I’m having the time of my life and I hope to keep this up…”

The New Captain of Napoli

Di Lorenzo, a mainstay for Napoli since 2019, inherited the captaincy last summer following Lorenzo Insigne’s departure. It’s a real tribute to the leadership qualities of one of Serie A’s less-heralded players.

“Wearing the captain’s armband fills me with pride. It’s a nice responsibility to have. When the coach appointed me as captain last summer, I was over the moon… It’s an important and challenging role. I try and justify my wearing of the armband every day and do a great job for these wonderful players….”

Napoli to Win the 2022-23 Scudetto?

No team from outside Milan or Turin has won Serie A since 2001. Using the narrative force of the underdog storyline, league leaders Napoli have the whole city behind them as they chase their third Scudetto.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my three and a half seasons here, it’s that Naples’ collective mood depends on how Napoli do. This means we carry a lot of responsibility for our fans I’d be lying to you if I said we didn’t have a great chance this season. However, the club and team are aware that there’s a long way to go…”

Full Interview With Giovanni Di Lorenzo

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Juventus Serie A

Gianluca Zambrotta Discusses Lippi Impact on Career & Vlahovic Struggles at Juventus

Gianluca Zambrotta Discusses Lippi Impact on Career & Vlahovic Struggles at Juventus
Gianluca Zambrotta - Juventus - Serie A

Former Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 19 to speak about his transformation as a player under Marcelo Lippi, the evolution of a full-back, and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

From Winger to Full-Back

Zambrotta moved back to the future in 2002. Then Juventus manager Marcello Lippi transformed the speedy winger into one of the finest full-backs of his era, anticipating the modern evolution of the role.

“I must admit Lippi had great foresight because I played in that position under him for Italy and won the World Cup. Back then, there weren’t many full-backs in Italy who got forward so much and were able to perform equally at both ends of the pitch…”

The Evolution of a Full-Back

20 years on, full-backs have increasingly varied their positions and movement, not only bombing down the flanks but also attacking inside to create all kinds of headaches for the opposition.

“Nowadays coaches demand more on the offensive side than defending… Often, they’ll cut inside rather than go out to the wing. The full-back’s role has changed a bit and I think it’s more fun than it was before…”

Dusan Vlahovic

This season full-backs and wingers have provided assists for almost half of Juventus’ goals. Zambrotta says they’ll be instrumental in helping Dusan Vlahovic find the back of the net again. The striker, who’s returning from injury, hasn’t scored in three months.

“He’s obviously not scoring as much as you’d expect from him but you have to help players like that. I think in the second half of the season, playing alongside players like Kostic, who knows him really well, players like Cuadrado, like Chiesa, I’m not saying it will be easier but he’ll certainly get more support…”

Full Interview With Gianluca Zambrotta

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Serie A Torino

Nikola Vlasic Discusses Reasons for Joining Torino, Manager Juric & Idol

Nikola Vlasic Discusses Reasons for Joining Torino, Manager Juric & Idol
Nikola Vlasic - Torino - Serie A

Torino attacker Nikola Vlasic sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 19 to speak about his reasons for joining the Granata, his football idol, and his responsibility in valuing the club’s history.

Joining Torino

Croatian attacking midfielder Nikola Vlasic has played in his domestic league, in Russia and in England. He had a tough time at West Ham and that led to him joining Torino on loan in the summer. A fellow Croatian, his coach Ivan Juric, has helped him rebuild his confidence.

“He was of course the factor for me to come here, but not the only factor. I like the club, I like Italian football, I like the city, so it’s all different factors. You know, like I said, his famous style of football has also attracted me… When you feel the coach, the staff, the people in the club, have confidence in you, it’s easier to play and then they give you the freedom to express yourself on the pitch, this for me is the most important, because I just want to be happy and play football…”

Football Idol

His hard work has paid off internationally too. In the 2022 World Cup, he earned a Bronze medal with Croatia. A feat one of his idols, and a Serie A legend, achieved against all odds in the 1998 edition.

“Zvonimir Boban is huge in Croatia, and if you ask any player who is around my age, it will probably be Zvonomir Boban, Prosinecki – all the players that were third in the World Cup… He’s my favourite…”

Torino History

Torino’s glory days date back to the 1940s, but even a newcomer like Vlasic feels the responsibility of seeking to live up to the Granata’s glorious history.

“I feel it, because you know, every time I come to the Stadio Grande Olimpico Torino and I walk here around the locker room, the stadium, I see this… what this team has won, and all the faces and the names of the big players… You just feel it inside, when I’m in the city, when I walk around the centre, I feel the love the people have for this club, and you know, I feel the same…”

Full Interview With Nikola Vlasic

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Lazio Serie A

Ivan Provedel Discusses Lazio Debut & Club’s Seasonal Objective

Ivan Provedel Discusses Lazio Debut & Club’s Seasonal Objective
Ivan Provedel - Lazio - Serie A

Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 19 to speak about the start of his goalkeeping career, his debut for the club, and the team’s seasonal objective.

Provedel’s Career Story

Safe hands. One of Serie A’s best goalkeepers. But Lazio’s Provedel didn’t start out between the sticks. In fact, the first battle he won as a young footballer was the right to play in goal.

“I’ve always wanted to be a goalkeeper ever since I was little… For one reason or another, I’d always been a forward, but I got to a point where I just wanted to be a goalkeeper. I wanted to play in goal or give up football, and so it proved as I was lucky enough to find a small club near my home where I was given the chance to do that and that’s where it all began. It’s great to score goals but I feel better and more fulfilled if I make a great save as a goalkeeper…”

Unexpected But Exciting Lazio Start

After two convincing campaigns with Spezia, Provedel joined Lazio last summer. He was to be the team’s stand-in. Then, in Matchday 1, debutant keeper Luis Maximiano was sent off after only six minutes. Provedel experienced a sliding doors moment and became Maurizio Sarri’s first choice in goal.

“I came here four days before the opening game, so I never would’ve expected to play in it and it wouldn’t have been fair but then something happened and I’m here to give my all at all times… I know what it means to wear this jersey and how many fans we have getting behind us and how strongly they feel about the team, but I just try to think as much as I can about what I have to do to ensure I’m in the zone and focused on what I have to do….”

Objective for the Season

Lazio have the league’s third-best defense. Provedel has kept 10 clean sheets. Yet the Biancocelesti have been inconsistent – slipping from 2nd to 5th over their last five outings. The primary goal for this go-getting group of players is to finish in the top four.

“We’re being well managed, but I feel on the inside that there’s something else we can give in terms of extra quality and motivation among all of us to achieve something special. We want to get as high as possible and aren’t setting any limits. The club finished fifth last season, so we’d certainly like to improve on that…”

Full Interview With Ivan Provedel

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Monza Serie A

Andrea Petagna Discusses Career & Decisions for Joining Monza

Andrea Petagna Discusses Career & Decisions for Joining Monza
Andrea Petagna - Monza - Serie A

Monza attacker Andrea Petagna sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 18 to speak about the impact that his Grandfather had on him becoming a football player, his career to date, and the decisions that led him to join the club this past summer.

Grandfather Francesco Petagna

Andrea Petagna’s grandfather, Francesco, played 250 matches in the top flight with Triestina. As a coach, he led SPAL for five consecutive seasons in Serie A, launching many talents, among them the hugely successful Fabio Capello.

“My granddad was the first person besides my dad who got me into football. We’d go down to the park and he’d tell me to keep hitting it against the wall because you have to work on improving your technique. I always wanted to use the big balls from Serie A and he’d tell me I had to master the small one first…”

Football Career to Date

Later, as a grandad, Francesco became little Andrea’s mentor. The first of a long series that includes Massimiliano Allegri, who gave the forward his Serie A and Champions League debuts… Then Gian Piero Gasperini, who kept him on track after disappointing spells in the lower divisions. And more recently Luciano Spalletti, who guided him during his last season at Napoli.

“I’ve had lots of coaches and they’ve all been important for my career, like a constant learning curve. At SPAL Semplici helped me score lots and I get on very well with Palladino. All my coaches have been important…”

Signing for Monza

After having come close to the Scudetto with the Partenopei, Andrea Petagna is now battling against relegation with Monza, just as he did at Spal. Though only 27, it’s now his turn to be the mentor for a young team making their debut in Serie A.

“I joined Monza mainly because of Galliani and Berlusconi. Galliani knew me when I was a kid and he gave me my first contract at AC Milan. On an organizational level, Monza is like Milan- it helps you perform at your best on the pitch… On our lockers, we have this quote from Galliani: ‘We took 110 years to reach Serie A.
We can’t go back down to Serie B after just one.’… I haven’t really proved myself yet but I’m working very hard because I want to show what I can do in the second half of the season and repay Galliani for his faith in me…”

Full Interview With Andrea Petagna

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Serie A Udinese

Gerard Deulofeu Discusses Udinese Manager Sottil & Teammate Samardzic

Gerard Deulofeu Discusses Udinese Manager Sottil & Teammate Samardzic
Gerard Deulofeu - Udinese - Serie A

Udinese attacker Gerard Deulofeu sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 18 to speak about his maturity, skillset, manager Andrea Sottil, and rising talent Lazar Samardzic.

Maturity & Skillset

Since joining Udinese three years ago, Deulofeu has matured from an on-and-off performer into a game-changer and go-getter. This season, the 28-year-old Spaniard has also taken on the playmaker duties for the Bianconeri, providing assists, key passes and all-around leadership.

“The impact of a playmaker is crucial. My stats show that I’m a player who wants to see the ball, plays direct football and creates goalscoring opportunities. It’s true that our playing style means that I drop deeper into the midfield in order to get things going and start off attacks. I don’t score that many goals but I’m the fulcrum of our build-up play…”

New Manager Andrea Sottil

The man behind Deulofeu’s new leadership in the dressing room is manager Sottil. He’s shaped a very physical side that plays with nerve and ferocity, upsetting the established order in Serie A.

“After changing our mindset we now play like lions. We’re prepared to go the extra mile for our teammates. The example that the leaders and more experienced players need to set for the rest of the squad is that if you don’t put in the hard yards then you’ll get nowhere… There are many top teams out there who’ve got greater purchasing power than Udinese. How do we counteract that? By being fitter than them, and running further so that we beat them to the ball…”

Rising Star Lazar Samardzic

Udinese’s ambition to target a European place after their best-ever start to a top-flight campaign has also been fueled by a rising talent – attacking midfielder Lazar Samardzic.

“He’s a special player who’s got a wonderful left foot. It’s true that he’s young and needs to polish his game. The coaching staff and more experienced players make
him aware of what he needs to improve on. We make it known to him how much we trust him because he’s a crucial part of our team…”

Full Interview With Gerard Deulofeu