Five former Inter Primavera players spoke at Gianluca Di Marzio’s microphones. Curatolo, Rovida, Peschetola, Sangalli and Moretti know Cristian Chivu very well and told some behind-the-scenes stories about Parma’s new coach.
William Rovida: “A special man. He helped us, talked to us, supported us. He put a lot of importance on the people in front of him and their well-being. “Have confidence, you are strong. Let the field speak, that’s all that matters,” his encouragement after a mistake. Striking was his total humility. He put himself on the level of us soccer players.”
Dennis Curatolo: “The first thing that comes to mind is charisma. When we played he was like he was on the field with us. He would transmit all his desire to us. I remember at halftime of a Youth League game. We were playing well, but we were down. He went into the locker room almost in tears. That was to show how much he cared about us, how much he was into all that. He would transport you when he spoke. We were back on the field and played unbelievably well. On the bench he lived the game to the fullest. With every goal he would cheer like crazy. His figure was fundamental to our team.”
Lorenzo Peschetola: “When he spoke he would give you chills, he would touch your deepest chords. You were ready for anything for him on the field. Sometimes he would play with us. It was something sensational. It lasted a short time, because he smoked a lot. But in those minutes when he had breath he was too strong, he made a difference.”
Andrea Moretti: “He often told us not to look at soccer through forms or tactics, but as occupation of space and fast transmission of the ball. A different vision. He asked us to play and build, but not in a way that was an end in itself. It had to lead to results.”
Mattia Sangalli: “There was a need for an initial period of adaptation. He brought new concepts coming out of the classical Italian schemes. He came from the Ajax school. I was struck by his total humility. He put himself on the level of us soccer players. He was always looking for confrontation. He listened to our opinions and had a great desire to learn. The team throwing him up in the air after winning the championship. He was our guide, we his boys.”
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