Already three assists scored in almost six hundred minutes played, Antonio David talks about his freewheeling season: from the example of Donnarumma to the dream of the top flight.
© photo by Ceccaroli (@shootstarkid)
A son of Romagna, a product of that gold mine that is the Juventus ‘cantera’. Anthony David he is, together with his ‘little brothers’ Tommaso Berti, Matteo Francesconi and Simone Pieraccini, one of Toscano’s ‘children’, rampant young people from Romagna who are making a fundamental contribution to reaching the long-awaited Serie B. Antonio has already won a super cup in Juventus of Primavera 2, but you will understand well that here, now, a very different goal is about to be reached.
David, we are one step away from the finish line, are you excited? How are you experiencing it?
“I am calm and happy with the moment I am experiencing on a personal and team level. We are all aware that it is not possible to stop, we continue to work every day with the same concentration as always”.
Just under a year has passed since April 6, 2023 and those five minutes against San Donato Tavernelle, yet practically everything has happened.
“It’s true, absolutely everything has happened to me since that day. I have grown mentally, as a footballer and also as a man. I still have a long way to go but I have learned a lot from the coach and my teammates. I’m still nobody, but I feel more mature. I remember that day we were 4-1, the athletic trainer arrived and told me “get ready, you have to come in”: from that moment a mix of emotions started that I couldn’t even explain to you, even if I was only making my debut for five minutes. with the greats and I think this is enough”.
After the taste of last year you made the big leap to the first team, did you think you could carve out some space for yourself in this difficult season?
“I always thought that with the right dedication and the right work I would have my space. I won’t hide from you that it was difficult to settle in among the ‘grown-ups’ and understand everything it takes to be with them, but I’m succeeding. I never thought about not playing, with daily commitment you earn trust and I also have a lot of it in myself.”.
9 October, away to Arezzo, Pierozzi gets hurt and comes onto the pitch to replace him: ready to go and assist for Ciofi’s winning header, a nice way to debut this season.
“After that match I was so emotional that I couldn’t even find the right words in the press conference. I was happy and perhaps I couldn’t even realize that I had had my opportunity and that I had also served an assist to end a difficult match. It was really nice”.
The following week the debut at Manuzzi, against Sestri it ends 2-2 and there are ninety minutes for you: what emotions did you feel?
“I will remember that day for my whole life. Until a year ago, I was in the stands watching Cesena-Reggiana and almost suddenly finding myself on the pitch in front of all those people made my legs tremble. Before the match I forced myself not to think about it but my thoughts always ran in that direction. Once on the pitch I concentrated and I can say I made my dream come true.”.
After a while on the bench, here she is again with Juve Next and with a new assist this time for one of her ‘little brothers’ Pieraccini. What is your relationship?
“There is a beautiful relationship between us. With ‘Piera’ and Berti we have known each other since we were ten years old. We grew up together and experiencing this special year with them is something out of the ordinary. Every time we look at ourselves we think «how extraordinary is what we are experiencing?»”.
What effect does being the ‘jewels of the cantera’ have on you?
“Do you know what’s great? Hearing the youth coaches say “damn, I had you with me and now you’re there”. It’s an emotion to think that we can represent hope for all the kids in today’s youth teams. By looking at us they will understand that with hard work you grow and get results. I am proud to be able to be an example for them”.
His growth also came from the advice of Mr. Toscano. How important was it?
“The coach is fundamental as are his staff and my teammates. By keeping me here in this team, he gave me trust and I did well to earn it with the work and necessary concentration. Mister Toscano is making me mature in football but also in life: I was a child, now I’m growing up.”.
In her role there is an ‘out of category’ like Donnarumma, a great fortune for her…
“Daniele is an excellent teammate, a great footballer and a fantastic person. I tried to learn as much as possible from him. He played in Serie B and getting there is my goal.”.
What do you think is the secret of this Cesena?
“Every day we train at three thousand an hour to be one hundred percent in the game, all without distinction. I think that’s what’s making the difference.”.
Saturday could be a special match, are you ready?
“We are preparing for the match as always, with all the serenity in the world. We have to stay focused, it will be tough, but with the right head and legs we can take it home”.
You’ve already realized your dream of playing at Manuzzi, what’s next?
“Bring Cesena back to where it deserves and play in Serie A”.
