Today’s edition of “La Repubblica” reports an interview with Lauricella from Palermo.
Giovanni Lauricella, a seventeen-year-old from Palermo and full-back for Empoli, recently realized his dream of becoming European champion with the Under 17 national team. Dedicating the victory to his family and the people of Brancaccio, Lauricella reflects on the sacrifices and experiences that have brought to this goal.
Meaning of Victory
«It is the culmination of many sacrifices. The road ahead, however, is still long and full of obstacles. But I want this victory to be a stimulus for all young Sicilians who cultivate a dream and for all those who feel fragile and are experiencing a difficult moment.”
Memories of the European Championship
“Everything. As time went by, we became a family. And a perfect alchemy was created with my teammates and the staff. The hardest obstacle to overcome was the quarter-finals, when we faced England. Scoring one of the penalty kicks was great. But winning the final against Portugal was the greatest joy I could have felt.”
Importance of Mister Favo
«Favo is a highly trained coach and an extraordinary person. I will be forever grateful to him. He made me grow and gave me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful group.”
Childhood in Brancaccio
«I started playing at the Padre Nostro institute in Brancaccio and every day I played endless games with my friends. I also did several internships, but none went well, until I met Pamela Conti and became part of her team. I went to Palermo: a dream. But it went badly and my experience with the rosanero lasted just a year. When I was already thinking of giving up, Valerio Leto from Fair Play Messina called me. I was hesitant at first, but then I went for it. And today I can say that I made the best choice. They raised me there and helped me a lot.”
Experience with Sassuolo
«I set out full of expectations and good intentions, but it didn’t go as I hoped. And after six months I returned to Sicily. I don’t know what was going through my head, I felt like quitting. Leto was fundamental, he brought me back to Fair Play, convincing me not to give up and also helping me with school. We won the provincial championship and I had the opportunity to have three tryouts: Juventus, Empoli and Benevento.”
Transfer to Empoli
«After an initial period of adjustment, it was a crescendo. When I started I was a striker, then I became a high winger and now I have found my dimension as a full-back left winger.”
Football idol
«Theo Hernandez».
Family reaction
«Grandma Gaetana started crying. They were all very happy. Even my granddaughters Alice and Rachele.”
Season with Empoli Under 17
«The time to take stock has not yet come. We have the quarter-finals of the Under 17 championship.”
Future
«I hope to postpone the holidays as much as possible. Afterwards I will return to Mondello for a swim and to Brancaccio to my friends and family.”
Lauricella is an example of how determination and resilience can lead to great results. Her path is an encouragement for all young people who face difficulties and dream of achieving important goals.
