Inter Primavera midfielder Jacopo Gianelli discussed his life, career and dreams in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInterNews earlier today.
First, he discussed his condition during the ongoing quarantine in Italy.
“Personally, I’m fine, I’m spending my quarantine at home, as I hope everyone else is doing. Every day I’m training to stay in shape, my life now takes place only at home.”
The 18-year-old spoke about how the squad are keeping in touch.
“We talk to each other through video calls, we often keep in touch like this. The strength of the squad is our bond, so we are united even in difficult times. It’s what has characterized us throughout the season and it’s also going on in this period.”
He touched on his reaction when he heard that Inter had called off the Round of 16 UEFA Youth League game against Rennes last month.
“This choice was communicated to us by the club. All my teammates, including me, had a positive reaction because we were happy that Inter put our health first, which is the main thing and comes before everything else.”
Gianelli spoke about his goal against Barcelona.
“It was a fantastic afternoon, already the surroundings and the environment were something beautiful. Coming to the match, I’d say that we managed to beat Barcelona thanks to our technical and tactical qualities, it was a fabulous and unforgettable afternoon.”
He discussed the importance of gaining experience at a European level.
“In Europe you face teams with a different style of play and competitiveness compared to what you see in Italy. We’ve learned a lot along the way, both from victories and defeats. Now it’s up to us to make everything our own, we’ve strengthened ourselves even more.”
The Italian teenager touched on his reaction when he saw himself on coach Antonio Conte’s backup list for the Europa League.
“When I read it, I got so excited for two reasons. First, I didn’t expect it, and second, it made me proud of the work I’m doing. That’s a starting point for me, because I still need to improve a lot.”
Gianelli spoke about how it felt to train with the first team under Conte and which players that he looks up to.
“Within the squad I try to learn as much as possible from all the players. I like, for example, Brozovic’s intelligence and Barella’s hunger. As far as Conte is concerned, he’s a coach who directs the training sessions paying a lot of attention to every detail and he transmits his passion to the youngsters.”
He commented on Inter striker Sebastiano Esposito, who was promoted to the first team last summer by the coach.
“Sebastiano is a very strong player, he has developed technical and tactical skills and a lot of tenacity. I think he deserves this goal, he has shown it in many games, both in the Primavera and in the first team.”
The 18-year-old discussed his Primavera teammates and which ones impress him most.
“Surely everyone has impressed me, we are a very strong team and we need everyone. I hope, for the names mentioned [Stankovic, Pirola, Fonseca and Mulattieri, ed.], a bright and fabulous career, but I also wish the best to all the other teammates.”
Gianelli spoke about interest that he has received from some Serie B clubs and his contract renewal with the Nerazzurri.
“I see my path as a consequence of what I can do on the field. Right now, you can’t set goals because of this stop. As far as the contract is concerned, my agents and the club will take care of it. I want to stay focused on this season, obviously if it can be resumed. The rest will come eventually.”
He discussed his growth since arriving at Inter.
“I’m satisfied with what I’ve shown, even if I have to improve a lot. I have to be ready when we return to the field, provided there are the necessary requirements for a recovery.”
The Italian teenager spoke about his call up to the national team.
“When you wear the national team shirt, you must surely be proud of it and then show your skills on the pitch. The injury pushed me to take better care of my body, every day I try to never give up. In all this I have developed my tenacity and my hunger.”
Finally, Gianelli spoke about his goals for the future.
“It is difficult to set short-term goals because we are in a very complicated situation and for now, we have to think mainly about health. My ambition is to play professionally for some big clubs, but the biggest dream is to play in Serie A with the Inter jersey.”