Live TMW
2.05pm – It’s the eve of Spain-Italy, a match that will take place tomorrow from 9pm at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The midfielder will be at the press conference together with the technical commissioner Luciano Spalletti Folorunsho.
2.35pm – The press conference begins.
How are you preparing for the match? Games?
“We are preparing for the match very well, we are working hard and we are putting everything into being ready for the match. I don’t know if I play, you have to ask the coach, I’m available and it’s already an honor to be here.”
A year ago you played in the play-offs with Bari, did you dream of being here today?
“A year ago it was unthinkable, I could never believe that I would find myself here a year later playing a European Championship with the national team. I believe that work is the basis of everything, I have never stopped dreaming but now that I have reached certain levels I have to work even harder. I know I have to work a lot, I’m behind some of my teammates, this is a starting point for me.”
Where would you see yourself on the pitch with Spain? What duel do you dream of?
“As I have already said, I would also play her in goal… The important thing is to make a contribution to the team, I will be ready in any area of the pitch. Then the coach will be able to place me in the right area if he thinks I will be able to help the team squad”.
Is there anyone you want to dedicate this European Championship to? Why only at 26 years old at these levels?
“Every player has to face his own path and I have done mine, I wouldn’t change it for anyone else’s. Simply before, many people thought I wasn’t ready: I accepted that decision and continued working. Now I feel ready to facing certain challenges that I previously thought were too great. The dedication goes to my mother and my family. At 26 I faced my first year in Serie A: many get there first, but there are also those who get there later has its own path.”
How do you like the atmosphere in Germany?
“There is a beautiful atmosphere, it is a wonderful feeling to find the Italians who are here in Germany ready to hug us and support us every time we leave the hotel. We are very happy to have given joy to the Italians who are here, we want to continue to make them proud of us.”
3.13pm – Press conference concluded.
