Juventus’ new goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who joined from Monza this summer, recently shared his thoughts on his career move and reflected on his past with Inter Milan in an interview with La Repubblica.
On joining Juventus, Di Gregorio expressed his initial disbelief: “My agent told me, and I asked him to repeat it calmly. Fear? No, there was more pride in looking back at the times when Serie A and Juventus seemed so far away.”
Recalling his time in Inter’s youth system, he admitted to overestimating himself after winning the Primavera title: “I thought I was ready for Serie B, but offers only came from Serie C. I had to analyze everything thoroughly, not act impulsively, and convince myself that I wasn’t undervaluing myself.”
Di Gregorio holds no grudges against Inter, acknowledging their support during a difficult time in his life: “Inter did something for me that I can never forget, standing by me when I lost my father at 13. Returning? I never really expected it. But if it had happened, I would have wanted to do it through the front door. I would never have been just a bit player.”
The goalkeeper feels at home with Juventus: “I immediately felt comfortable. When I returned from the retreat, I told my family: this is my place. Surprisingly, I settled in here faster than elsewhere. When I take my son Riccardo to kindergarten and pass by the Stadium, I can’t help but think that I’m happy.”
On his playing style, Di Gregorio emphasizes tactical awareness over technical skills: “It’s more about tactical than technical aspects: making certain types of passes or controls, maintaining a position. Essentially, making game choices.”
Reflecting on his family and personal growth, he shared: “My mom, my sister Angela, my paternal uncle, my maternal grandmother: it’s a broader concept. Life has taken a lot from me, losing my dad at 13 isn’t easy, but it has given me so much through all the people around me.”
Di Gregorio also touched on his admiration for players across team rivalries: “I’ve always admired players more than teams: Kakà and Abbiati, Zanetti and Julio Cesar, Buffon and Del Piero. I’ve never understood why one should hate someone just because they’re from another team.”
