Juventus defender Federico Gatti talked about the upcoming Derby della Mole against Torino and singled out teammate Kenan Yildiz for praise. The Bianconeri are looking consolidate a top four finish while the Granata still have an outside chance at qualifying for Europe next season. Speaking with Tuttosport, Gatti previewed the match and also shared his personal experiences of the game, having grown up with a Torino-supporting father:
Since you arrived at Juventus, what do you feel you have improved in and what do you feel you still need to improve?
“The margins are enormous. I’ve grown in personality, and you get that from matches and experience, from mistakes. One aspect for which I’m truly grateful to Allegri is the fact that he gave me the opportunity to grow. When you make a mistake and then get sidelined, it’s tough, but he gave me continuity, and that allowed me to become stronger and a better player. Then at Juve, it’s normal to grow; here, I grow every day. I still need to improve defensively and in terms of building up play.”
You arrived at Juventus, which is the top, after many years in the amateur leagues. Is there something about that more “artisanal” football that you miss?
“It’s been a beautiful journey because every step was important. Beautiful years, like winning the Eccellenza championship with Verbania. I remember living in the same house with two teammates: one from France, Marseille, and one from Rome. We created a fantastic bond. I do miss that a bit, but my life has completely changed.”
Is it a pride for you to be the face of the working Juventus?
“In a team, as in any company, there are those who do the dirty work, and it’s fundamental. Some have certain qualities, others have different ones, but only when they coexist can both shine to their best.”
How much does the affection of Juventus fans affect your performances with full intensity?
“I’ve always been like that; I get really charged up when I feel the crowd pushing, almost exaggerated fans. In fact, one aspect I need to work on, and I often discuss it with Allegri, is energy management. Because often, I spend so much energy that sometimes I feel like I’m breathless. Anyway, better too much energy than too little…”
The derby stimulates quite a bit in this regard…
“Yes, I was fortunate to play it in the first leg, it was the first one, where I also scored, while last season I wasn’t used against Torino. Actually, the derby adrenaline is experienced more in the days leading up to it than during the actual match, where you’re focused on what you have to do regardless of who you’re facing. On the field, you just think about winning.”
But in these days, have any friends written you messages on your phone or received special charges?
“No, by now I’m converting my family. My father has always been a Toro fan, and I now clearly have my love for Juve, which is bringing him closer. He comes to the stadium frequently, and it’s something I would have never said.”
You are the central defender who has scored the most goals in Europe, 4 goals. How does that make you feel, and how do you explain it?
“Well, partly my past as a midfielder, a bit of luck, the ability of teammates to take corners and free kicks. But I really don’t care about statistics. I have two specific goals, which are Juventus’ goals: the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.”
Who was the most difficult to mark?
“Surely last year Mbappé at PSG, but there are many: also Leao and Osimhen. I would also say Vlahovic, but I play with him. You can never leave anything to chance or switch off for two minutes. For the defender, it’s more difficult; you can’t make a mistake even once. They might miss three or four chances, but then if they score, they’ve done their job. In defense, you can make great interventions during the game, but if you make a mistake in the goal-scoring opportunity, you ruin the game.”
Zapata and Sanabria, who is more bothersome?
“Well, they’re both strong. Torino is a very physical team, tough, they play on second balls. Man-to-man. They’re doing very well; it will be a very difficult game.”
Earlier, you mentioned Vlahovic. To what extent has he improved in handling his emotions and therefore his nervous energy over these two years?
“Like all people, he’s experiencing growth. Compared to last year, he’s much more into the game, and even though a forward mainly thinks about scoring, he has improved a lot thanks to the experiences he’s had in matches. You improve thanks to mistakes, thanks to them, you grow more.”
What explanation have you given yourself for Juventus’ blackout: one win in 9 league matches?
“I don’t know, it’s difficult. It was a bad period where something was missing: months earlier, a ball hit the post and went into the goal, then the opposite happened. We lacked a bit of experience. Now we have these two goals, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, and we can’t let them slip away, absolutely. Now we have to win the derby because after the three points, you live better, you train better, and everything is nicer.”
How empty are the weeks without the commitment of the Cup?
“A lot. Last year it was there, and this year I imagined that without it, it would be better because you could better face the league matches, but it’s not like that. The way I am, playing every three days always keeps you alive, you’re always on your toes. It’s more demanding physically, also because of the trips and movements, but your mind never gives up. So, we missed Europe a lot, and we have to make sure it comes back next year.”
Speaking of Europe, the recent Champions League matches seemed from the outside like a football from another planet compared to Serie A. Did you feel the same sensation?
“I’ve seen them. It’s less tactical football, actions on the right and left, they score a lot of goals but also concede a lot. We have to try to get back to playing those matches, and only then do you grow and become stronger exponentially.”
The big news for Juventus this year is the arrival of technical director Cristiano Giuntoli. How present is he, and what has he brought?
“The director is here at the Continassa every day. He’s certainly brought a bit of freshness. He always follows us at home and away.”
Can you help us assess Yildiz, who hasn’t found many minutes consistently? You see him every day and train with him: is he really made of different stuff, a champion with the quality to break through?
“I wish him that; he’s very young, he has a long and important career ahead of him. He shouldn’t settle; it would be the biggest mistake, but think about improving day by day. But he shouldn’t think of conquering the world already tomorrow. I often mark him in training, you can see that, at just 18 years old, he has great qualities. We have a lot of confidence in him; he has impressive qualities. He must have patience, which is essential in a player’s career, never wanting everything immediately.”
You are in contention for the Euros. What hope do you have?
“The hope of wearing the blue shirt is obviously there. But my concentration now is only on Juventus. Italy will have to be a consequence, but for me, Juventus comes first and foremost.”
