«Mancini intimidates me. Vialli’s advice, Di Canio’s goals»- Corriere.it

Leeds is crazy about him, Italy is learning to find out. Tomorrow’s match against England is also Willy Gnonto’s match, 19 years old, the youngest scorer in Italy’s history in June in Germany, who scored 4 times (with 3 assists) between the Premier League and the FA Cup.

Gnonto, has the reverential fear towards coach Mancini that you had at your debut gone away?

“The truth? I feel the same feeling. I remember when I was little at Inter and he coached the first team: he was an idol and I never expected to be in the national team with him».

The coach said that there are Bellinghams in Italy too, just find them and let them play. What do you think?

«He gave a strong signal, both with me and with other young people. We hope many others will follow.”

What is the value of his first challenge as a Premier player against the English?

“It’s special to me and there’s something important at stake. It’s double the value.”

Tomorrow is the first national team without Vialli.

“He immediately tried to make me feel part of the group and to give me advice: the moments spent together and his words will always remain with me”.

Mancini wondered why no one in Serie A believed in her, who moved from Zurich to Leeds. Is Inter a missed opportunity?

«I will always be grateful to Inter, but I don’t see it as a missed opportunity. I had to make a choice, I went to Switzerland to play and I think I made the right one for me and my family».

Your father Boris was already an Italian citizen when you were born, so you have been blue since your youth. But there are kids born in Italy, like Amey from Bologna, who don’t yet have citizenship and choose their parents’ national team. Is there a risk of losing talent?

«Yes, I can say that there is a risk. But I think that in the end everyone chooses the national team they feel like. I could have chosen the Ivory Coast, but I was born in Italy, I feel Italian and I think it’s the right choice for me».

Did you know Retegui?

«Not so much, but if he has arrived it means he has qualities and in my opinion he needs time to express them».

Compared to your debut, do you feel you have a different status?

“I do not know this. But I know that I try to make the most of every opportunity: for me it is an honor to be there and I know it is fortunate. I try to improve myself, because the national team is the place where I want to be».

The move to the Premier League came on the last day of the transfer market. How did he experience it?

«I didn’t even hope so much anymore, it all happened very quickly and I didn’t have time to realize. But it was a beautiful emotion. The impact was good on a personal level, the team is experiencing some ups and downs».

There was a run-in with the second team. But judging by the first goal in Leeds U21, the difference between him and his English peers is evident.

«The coach thought it was the best path for me, but I couldn’t wait to play with the first team to give my contribution: let’s say it took a while».

His 2023 began with a magnificent goal, a scissor volley against Cardiff: Paolo Di Canio said it was less beautiful than his famous goal for West Ham. Can we say that he is wrong?

«Maybe yes, because I had a man closer and I had to react quickly. But I can’t say if mine or his is better, because he’s a legend in the Premier League… ».

Certainly she is experiencing strong emotions.

«It seems like a dream to me: I come from Baveno and I never expected one day to get to the Premier League or to receive compliments from such players. I live everything with great pride and I always try to commit myself to improve».

What was it like scoring at Old Trafford?

«I was struck by the silence that fell, also because the goal came unexpectedly, after a minute. A good time.”

What struck you the most about the Premier League?

“The atmosphere. The fans are always warm, they make you feel the importance of the match: you understand that there is a great football culture».

How did they experience the elimination from the World Cup in England?

“They had great hopes. But whether the national team wins or loses in England brings people together.”

We Italians saw it from the sofa.

«It was strange, also because I wasn’t lucky enough to see many World Cups with Italy. But our history says that we have to be there».

Where did you watch the Wembley 2021 Final?

«In the square in my town, with my friends in front of the big screen».

Who has impressed you the most among the English players in the Premier League?

Rashford.

Do you know your social commitment?

«Of course, I followed him a lot. It’s only right that a player of his level take advantage of the opportunity to give positive messages and help others ».

Your Sterling model isn’t here tomorrow.

«Many said I looked like him: crossing him in the Premier was, it’s incredible. I enjoy every moment.”

What should we learn from the British?

“The facilities there are top. And in Italy there are more pressures, I think. In Leeds the players are left alone».

In June there are Nations and the European U21. What’s he going to do?

“I’m ready for anything, no problem.”

But you never go on vacation?

“It’s not the time, there will be time later.”

What did he do last?

“Three years ago”.

And how is it with the licence?

“I’m doing it, but in England. And it’s a nice mess.”