Italy debutant Pietro Comuzzo admits Giorgio Chiellini is his idol, but he wants to become a ‘complete’ defender, so he’s eager to learn from Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori.
Fiorentina defender Comuzzo has earned his first Italy call-up in November thanks to impressive performances with the Tuscans.
“Every kid playing football and watching the national team on TV dreams of becoming like them,” the 19-year-old centre-back said at a press conference on Tuesday, as quoted by TMW.
“Coming here is the biggest dream I could have fulfilled. I haven’t celebrated. I have done nothing special.
Italy debutant admires Chiellini and wants to learn from Calafiori
“I’ve received many messages, but the nicest one was from my father. I’ve spoken to many of my ex-coaches, and I’ll always be grateful for their help in reaching the national team.
“The ‘Inno di Mameli’ [Italy’s national anthem] is the best in the world, and it makes you feel the importance and beauty of this country. Singing it on the pitch is the best thing I could imagine.”
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti was impressed by Comuzzo’s physicality, and it’s no coincidence that it was also the primary skill set of the promising defender’s idol, Chiellini.
“He is. I enjoyed the Euros in 2021, and watching Chiellini play those matches and lift the trophy was an immense joy,” said Comuzzo.
“I feel at ease with man-marking. I like duels. It’s what I like the most, but I don’t want to limit myself, I want to improve technically and in the build-up. I want to learn from Bastoni and Calafiori and become a complete defender.”
Comuzzo will train with Bastoni during the November break, while Calafiori has been ruled out of games against Belgium and France due to a knee injury he sustained in October with Arsenal.
Fiorentina beat Hellas Verona 3-1 on Sunday and are just one point below table leaders Napoli.
“Palladino gives me advice on how to improve,” said Comuzzo.
“The best thing about Fiorentina is the group. We are there because we deserve it and we want to remain there for as long as possible, but now I am only focused on the national team.”
Italy will visit Belgium this coming Thursday and host France at San Siro on Sunday, November 17. Which game would Comuzzo like to be involved in?
“It’s an incredible emotion to be here. If I had to choose one, I’d say the France game because it is at San Siro, but facing Lukaku would be a great test,” he concluded.