CAGLIARI. He was the Serie A goalkeeper most called into question. In the sense that Alessio Cragno is the record holder of the league saves (156). The Cagliari goalkeeper will turn 27 in June and is now a permanent member of the national team. He took root in Sardinia where he married Silvia (from Cagliari) and where his daughter, Benedetta, was born. He arrived that was a promise, he has matured to become one of the best in Italy in his role. Present and future of a boy who has many dreams in the drawer and would like to realize them, told in this wide-ranging interview.
How did he celebrate salvation?
«Immediately together with the companions. Then for two days with my family. I finally relaxed after so many difficult moments ».
Is it too much to talk about a sporting enterprise?
«It depends on what time frame we place it. At the start of the season, salvation was a minimal objective. from the 90 ‘of the match against Parma, I think so. From that moment seven useful results in a row, with the draws of Naples and Milan. A fantastic journey ».
Do you feel you are one of the leaders of this Cagliari?
«I have been here for a long time, I have the duty to explain to those arriving and to the young people what it means to wear this shirt. If by leader you mean helping your comrades and always being positive, then they are ».
Tell the truth, was there a moment when you no longer believed it?
“No. It was our duty to believe and hope. At one point I thought it was really difficult to save us, it happened after the defeat at home with Verona. At that moment we became aware that to succeed we could no longer make mistakes ».
Now the European Championship is played, can Italy win it?
«To win such a high level event, quality is not enough, you also need a bit of luck. Often it is the episodes that make the difference. From a technical point of view we have nothing to envy to the others. The added value is the enthusiasm that this national team has ».
Do you dream of playing a few minutes in the friendly match in Cagliari with San Marino?
“Wearing that shirt is already a great honor. Doing it in the home stadium would be an even stronger emotion ».
Cagliari values it 35-40 million, too much? Little?
“The market makes the figure, I struggle and I don’t allow myself to give an evaluation”.
What is the best quality of a footballer?
“I have no doubts: the continuity of performance”.
The greatest satisfaction in football?
“The call-up in blue, but also this year’s salvation and the promotion to Serie A with Benevento are important pages”.
And the disappointment?
“Maybe the relegation with Lanciano In C. If I think about it I still feel sorry”.
Is there a mistake you made and would like to cancel?
“No. I have always made my decisions convinced that at that moment they were the right thing to do ».
Take a self-portrait.
“I’m a happy person, I have a wonderful family, a job I’ve always dreamed of. In everything I do, I put effort ».
A parade you will never forget?
“The one on Quagliarella in Genoa with Sampdoria in February 2019. A close deviation that I removed from the goal line”.
Is there a striker who scares you particularly?
«All the great champions, Dzeko, Ronaldo, Dybala, Insigne … Players who in an instant bring out the super game. Against them, conceding a goal is an instant ».
How do you think you need to improve?
“In experience to manage complicated situations. I have matured but you never stop learning ».
Is football also music, your favorite singer?
«I listen to a bit of everything from the past to the present, various genres. If I have to name a name, Max Pezzali, I know all his songs ».
Something you can’t give up every day?
«A kiss to my daughter Benedetta. When I am in retreat for several days I feel that I miss being with her ».
If you hadn’t been a footballer, what job would you have liked to do?
“When I was little I always said the firefighter. But without football I would probably have continued my studies ».
What would you remove from the world of football?
“Sometimes you lose sight of the fact that it’s entertainment and can’t be the outlet for your frustrations, lead to hatred. On social media we read insults, threats. Is it worth it for a match? “
What is the place of the heart?
“Sardinia. I frequent Villasimius, I like the sea, the beach, the sand. Wherever you go it’s a show. “
Giulini has always been your mentor, what is your relationship with the president?
“Obviously we happen to talk to each other, the relationship is excellent.”
Did Cagliari and Cagliari enter your heart?
«In Cagliari it is now like being where I was born (Fiesole ed). I have lived here for many years. Cagliari Calcio is my home, I made all my appearances in Serie A in rossoblù. It is the company that launched me and believed in me, I can only be grateful ».
A dream to realize?
«To be part of the blue group for the Europeans. Discounted? Until the official call arrives … ».
Buffon quits?
«A champion like Gigi leaves a void, like when Baggio, Maldini, Totti and others stopped. Buffon made the history of this sport. I was surprised by the availability of the person. When I played against it, I asked him for the shirt, and he surprised me with his availability. I have two, I keep them as mementos ».
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