RombodiSorso, Crazy Horse, Arrogutottu. Three of the many nicknames given to Antonio Langella when he was a professional footballer. A “hothead” to whom the ball gave satisfaction and emotions. The oldest, having made his debut with the blue jersey in Cagliari (Sant’Elia stadium), the city from which his adventure in Serie A started. It was February 9, 2005, a friendly Italy-Russia won by the Azzurri 2-0. Antonio has long since put his head in order, now he is a successful entrepreneur who follows football from afar but with the same passion as when he played.
What memories do you have of that debut with Italy?
“There is a comic aspect that I want to tell. After the 3-3 draw with Inter, in which I scored, secured the penalty and assisted Esposito, I went home and celebrated with friends, going to bed very late. I collapsed and I forgot my cell phone on ».
What happened?
«At around 8.30 the mobile phone rings and I hear a voice telling me:“ Antonio prepare your suitcase, you have to leave for Coverciano ”. I thought of a joke, got upset and sent the interlocutor to that country, closing the call ».
Who had called her?
“Gigi Riva. A minute goes by and he calls me back, tells me it’s all true. At that moment I wanted to disappear, I had allowed myself to respond very badly to a myth. I apologized, I was very embarrassed ».
First call in blue and his debut at Sant’Elia, “his” stadium.
“All perfect. Going to the national team was already a dream, playing in front of my fans was a huge gift. I will never forget that week, it took me a while to metabolize where I was ».
When did Lippi say “get ready, it’s your turn”?
“My legs were shaking for a moment. Then I went to warm up with Esposito, my teammate at Cagliari and at Sant’Elia there was a boom. I remember the many banners for me and for Mauro, the fans were proud to see two Cagliari players wearing the blue shirt ».
What did Marcello Lippi tell you before letting you in?
«You do the same things as when you play against Cagliari. Pirlo will put you the ball on the run. In fact, after 10 ‘, just on a throw from Andrea, I risked scoring a goal. It would have been the best and the stadium would have literally gone mad ».
Can you tell us what the blue locker room was like?
«The image I remember is when I entered the dining room. Seeing all those champions was a great thrill. My seat at the table was close to Buffon, Gattuso and Cannavaro. They welcomed me very well. I remember a joke from Rino: you run too much, when you play against us, rest and don’t let me get tired ».
With whom have you tied the most in the national team?
«With Materazzi. We played the playstation in his room. I always won and he got very angry. On the pitch he gave me a lot of blows, but he is a sincere, correct boy ».
A photograph of that experience?
«Totti throwing bread crumbs at everyone’s head. When we went to America, Lucarelli and I were afraid of flying. We stayed awake throughout the journey both outward and return. Time never seemed to pass ».
Its president then was Massimo Cellino, now at Brescia. Do you still feel?
“No. But I am attached to him even though we have clashed in a brusque fashion many times. I remember he called me to tell me he was going to sell me to Zenith in Russia. Then it all fell apart. I learned later that he wanted 15 million but they were offering him 12 ”.
The senior national team returns to Sardinia after 16 years.
«It means that there is attention for Sardinia and Cagliari. The only negative thing is that the stadium will not be full ».
Sardinia will be represented by Nicolò Barella and Salvatore Sirigu.
“Two golden boys. Barella is a phenomenon, it was immediately understood that he was predestined and would reach the top. He has shown this year with Inter how strong he is, he has often made a difference. He will also be a protagonist at the European Championship, Mancini is betting on him. Barella has my number on his shoulders, 23, he can’t fail. Sirigu will not be a starter because he is facing a monster of skill like Donnarumma but he is a fixed point especially in the locker room ».
There could also be the “Cagliari” Cragno
“There will be for sure. He deserves to go to the European Championship because he has done great things in these two years. for me he is ready to join a great team ».
What role will Italy play at the European Championships?
«It is a strong, organized team that plays well. Mancini has repaired the damage done by Ventura, has restored a broken environment. Now there is a nice group, cohesive, in the locker room they are all friends, it’s nice to be inside. It is a fundamental aspect to do well, in my opinion it is the basis ».
His favorite?
“Maybe Germany but I don’t rule out surprises.”
We close with Cagliari, what an effort to save.
«In an interview made before the match against Parma, I said that everything depended on that match. On 1-3 I was desperate, then they reacted. From that moment the head has made a difference.
Would you confirm Leonardo Semplici?
«The goal has achieved it. right to give him the opportunity to work from the beginning ».