The protagonist of today’s interview is Francesco Mapellidefender born in 1996 who last season played in group A of Serie C with Pro Sesto. Francesco, assisted by Tommaso Manicone, began his career at Inter’s youth team and then became a protagonist between Serie D and Serie C with over 250 appearances. Some teams he played for are: Varese, Pavia, Lecco, Seregno and Legnano. He told us about himself in this interview:
“Francesco Mapelli, defender born in 1996 currently playing for Pro Sesto, Serie C group A. Tell us, briefly, a little about yourself and your football experiences. I am a 28 year old boy who has been playing football since he was 5 and has managed to turn his passion into his job; I was in the youth sector at Inter for 10 years, then several experiences in Serie D and this year at Pro, sixth in Serie C.”
“How do you consider your season on a personal level, despite the relegation with Pro Sesto? On a personal level I am satisfied with my season, it was a complicated year from different points of view, I always tried to give my contribution to the team to achieve the goal. Unfortunately relegation came but personally it was a positive experience given that I still made 30 appearances, most of which as a starter. Having said this, I am very critical of myself and I am convinced that we can always do better.”
“Where have you had the best memories since you started playing? What memories and anecdotes do you carry with you? From every experience I always try to take positive aspects, on a sporting level I could mention the play-offs won with Varese, the seasons spent in two splendid places like Lecco and Pavia, but I cannot forget the year in Seregno but also the wonderful experiences I had in the youth sector of Inter. I have only mentioned a few moments but I could mention many more. On a personal level, football has allowed me to create almost fraternal friendships that I am sure will accompany my life.”
“How did you find yourself this season at Pro Sesto and how is your relationship with your teammates and the staff? As I was telling you, unfortunately this season we weren’t able to reach the goal of salvation but I found a serious club with fans who didn’t stop encouraging us until the end and coaches who helped me grow; I created excellent relationships with my teammates, I went back to playing with my childhood friend Andrea Palazzi with whom I shared the youth sector of Inter.”
“Since the beginning of your career, who has helped you the most? It’s a very complicated question because I have had many coaches and many sports directors on the field who have been able to advise me and who have helped me improve, certainly my family and my girlfriend because they have always been there in every moment of difficulty.”
“For you, over 225 appearances as a central defender between Serie D and Serie C, even if at times you had the opportunity to play as a right and left back. What are, in your opinion, your best qualities? I have practically played in all defensive positions both in a 4-man defense and in a 3-man defence, personally I am more comfortable as the right-hander in a 3-man defense because I like to play on the man, look for the advance and play the duel.”
“Are you already thinking about next season? What goals are you setting for yourself? At the moment I’m training with a trainer to better face next season, my goal is always to improve, I still don’t know what the future holds for me but I’m looking for a stimulating experience because I have a great desire for revenge. because of how last season ended.”
“What is your idol? Since I was little my idol has been Marco Materazzi, I have been an Inter fan since birth, I saw him win the treble for Inter and be world champion with the Italian national team.”
(Photo source: Maurizio del Conte)
