Juventus defender Federico Gatti dedicated his goal against Sporting Lisbon to his grandfather, saying it was an ‘indescribable emotion’ finding the net for the first time. It was the culmination of many years of hard work for the young centre-back who famously spent an early part of his career in non-league football, working as a bricklayer to support himself. Speaking with Sky Sport and DAZN (as quoted by TuttoJuve), Gatti talked about the sensations of scoring his first goal for the Old Lady and
The first goal in a Juve jersey gives you a victory in a game that could have been complicated. Your emotions? Do you have a dedication?
“Yes, the emotion I don’t even know how to explain it in words, it’s unexplainable. The dedication goes to my grandfather who passed away in December and my girlfriend, who has always been there. It’s a small step, it was a very tough game, they are really strong individuals, in attack they are very good, it’s a small step but it’s still wide open, so in the return we go there and it’s going to be very tough.”
The defence is very proven, you only conceded one goal in five games in Europe. A perfect trio together with Bremer and Danilo.
“We fight on every ball even if today Perin saved us at the last second, we really risked a lot. It could have changed so much. It’s a huge risk also because with Inter we drew the game in the last minutes. Today it went well for us, however, we cannot risk so much.”
Do you realize your growth? You came from Serie B…
“The jump is huge, so there definitely needs to be a period of adaptation. Match after match, the more I play, the more I get familiar with everything: physically I’m getting better and better, then there are the teammates and the coach who put me in the best conditions, so the credit goes to them.”
How tough was this game? You guys looked a little tired.
“Playing every three days is not easy, however, today it was important to take it home and put a brick in. In the return match it will be very hard, Sporting is a very strong opponent.”
Danilo had words of praise for you: how much does that galvanize you?
“A lot. In difficult moments he has been a player to turn to, I have always spoken with him. He is an example for me to take so much from. When I have something to learn, I always compare myself with him: he is always ready to give me a hand.”
Now a goal in Serie A?
“Today we scored one, which is no small thing. Now we have to focus on Sassuolo.”
