Twentynine appearances so far with Novara and the position as starting goalkeeper for the Italian U-21 national team makes Francesco Bardi one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in Italy and the world among those born in 1992. Sports Director Ausilio is following him daily, Inter see him as a goalkeeper for the club in the near future, although in a couple of years and transfer rumors link him to Sampdoria as part of a package in which he, cash and another player brings Icardi to Inter. Francesco Bardi talked about this and more in an exclusive interview that our colleagues at fcinternews.it were granted.
Francesco, let’s start with your experience in the lower division in Piemonte.
“I like Novara, both as a city, quiet and humane, and as a team. Lately, the results have been going our way and it is obvious that everything runs better, I’d say it’s a lucky time.”
What is your goal?
“To secure continued play in Serie B, when we have secured that, we can think about other things.”
We move on to your experience in the U-21.
“I can’t do anything but speak well of the national team, from mister Mangia, on to the team and all the staff around the team. During the past year we have done well, we have earned our participation in the European Championships in Israel. Now we go there aware of our assets and led by the goal to do our best.”
Bardi, Caldirola, Donati, Faraoni, Crisetig: the famous Inter Group…
“It’s true, it’s there, but every time I am with U-21, I get along with everyone who has been selected for the group.”
You are owned by Inter. Do you follow the team?
“I follow Inter in the league and cups, although it is difficult to make any kind of assessment. It is only if you are in the team that you can analyze the situation in the best way.”
Do you have friends in Milan?
“I have fond memories of goalkeeping coach Luciano Castellini whom I meet regularly with the national team and then Luigi Crippa who is working in Inter Press Office, with him I have almost daily contact.”
What are your thoughts about the future?
“My present is Novara and the U-21. Everything else, if there is, I will think about after July 1.”
And the rumors that place you in Inter or Sampdoria, what are your thoughts about them?
“I have read it, but I don’t think about it because I have not yet received any official communication. I focus only on the present and we will start writing the future as soon as this coming summer…”
Source: fcinternews.it