Juventus defender Federico Gatti says he never gave up, having scored the opener in the Bianconeri’s 2-0 win over Torino. The Italy international came under heavy criticism after scoring a calamitous own-goal during Juve’s 4-2 defeat to Sassuolo two weeks ago, but found redemption in the Turin Derby, having started his career with Torino youth team in 2005. Speaking with Sky Sport Italia, the 25-year-old recounted his emotions at scoring his first league goal and why it was important to celebrate under the Curva:
You joked a week ago, but this time you scored the goal at the right end
“A huge emotion, everything pays off, I never gave up even after a mistake like that, in fact it only served me to grow. Luckily we won today, we gave an immense team performance, we brought home three points, we didn’t concede a goal, so that’s great.”
What was in that run under the Curva? In the hugs with Danilo and Szczesny?
“There is that desire to fight all together, we are showing it, we are a crazy group, we fight on every ball. Today a very important win, a match so heartfelt, it’s too good”
Has anyone made fun of you for your first goal in A?
“I don’t know, I didn’t even pull out my phone, I don’t care, these things should be celebrated with teammates, not behind a phone”
Better handling in the final today. Are you also growing in attention?
“Yes, that too, today we fought on every ball, but like every game. It became difficult because they put three forwards, three centre forwards, all strong, but we gave a great performance, starting with the forwards, those who came in later gave us a big hand. In such an important game these are three fundamental points.
What is the real size of this Juve side? The numbers say that you are close to the summit.
“Yes, but in fact that’s the goal. If it’s today, if it’s tomorrow, I don’t know when it will be, but I’m sure we’ll come back and win. I don’t know when, but I’m sure we’ll be back to winning.
Playing for the national team is a dream but also a big responsibility…
“Yes, absolutely, they are two fundamental games also in the national team, we have to get to the European Championship which is also a fundamental competition, we’ll see.”
