Young Italian footballer Gaetano Oristanio, currently playing for Venezia, shared insights about his career and the players who have influenced him. As he approaches his 100th professional appearance, Oristanio reflected on his journey from Vallo della Lucania to Serie A in an interview with Calciomercato, including his time in Inter’s youth academy and his stint in the Netherlands with Volendam.
When asked about former teammates, Oristanio spoke fondly of Sebastiano Esposito, Cesare Casadei, and Riccardo Calafiori. He said, “I have a long history with Sebastiano Esposito; we lived in the boarding school together. We were roommates. There are many anecdotes about him. He’s definitely one of those I’ve stayed in touch with. Casadei is an exceptional guy; I played with him at Inter. Then he had his breakthrough. I’m very happy for him because he’s a great player with a great future. Calafiori? We’ve been through all the youth national teams together and have stayed in touch. I’m very happy for him because he’s an exceptional guy who, thanks to his hard work, is getting all his satisfactions.”
Regarding the strongest players he’s faced, Oristanio didn’t hesitate to name two: “There are many, but there are two because I’ve had the fortune to train with them as well. Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez. Then there are many other players like Lukaku and Dybala, whom I like very much. I look up to him because he’s a very technical player, short in stature, with great, exceptional, phenomenal qualities. He’s definitely one of those I admire the most.”
Oristanio also mentioned his current roommate, Filip Stankovic, with whom he has shared most of his career journey. “Finding him here is really a nice thing because we have a great friendship. I consider him a friend,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, Oristanio fondly remembered the boarding school: “The boarding school for sure, because it was the place where all of us boys were. Looking ahead to the future, seeing what could happen. We were many boys who aspired. Some succeeded, others didn’t. Then the training sessions with my dad. I started with him, and it’s a beautiful scene I can’t forget.”
When asked if he would change anything about his journey, Oristanio responded, “No. I’m not satisfied, there are things I’d like to change, but those are the things that make you grow. Especially in difficult moments, they lead you to become a better player and a better man.”
