Repice, the 60th anniversary of the voice of football: “I loved Totti, Di Maria made me emotional, I leave the national team radio reports exhausted”

“I think I wanted to be a footballer. Frustrated footballer, however, and so I took refuge in the radio commentary. I would have liked to score an important goal in front of so many people. But at least I told it, and I’m delighted that I did.’

Bari is not a trivial stop on his journey. Practically the San Nicola marked his “debut” with the national team

«I remember Italy-Scotland (in 2007, ed). It was a very difficult game, also because at lunch I had exaggerated with seafood in a restaurant in Polignano and this created many gastrointestinal problems before the match. Luckily everything went well. And I say even more: I advise everyone to exaggerate with your seafood. I’m a wonderful thing.”

De Laurentiis’ Bari and Napoli are doing excellent things.

“I think the results speak for themselves. I’m used to judging only on the basis of facts, and the De Laurentiis are first in Serie A with Napoli and top in Serie B with Bari. They know how to do their job well and there’s not much to say».

What’s the best match you commented on?

«One of the best matches was certainly Manchester United-Barcelona, ​​the 2011 Champions League final. It was Abidal’s return match, so to speak. Even the final of the world championship in Qatar was exciting».

The most engaging goal you bring in?

“Difficult answer. I mean the 2-0 goal scored by Angel Di Maria for France at the World Cup. It was one of the strongest emotions of recent years».

The player who drove her crazy?

«Definitely Francesco Totti. I loved him more than anyone ever, without any comparison.

When you think of the Totti-Cassano duo, what’s on your mind?

“I did radio commentary of the two together. The words came out by themselves thanks to their magic. A feast for the eyes and for the soul. When they passed the ball, it was total magic.”

When did your first commentary date?

“Late 90s. Roma-Bologna 2-1, a particular match and a commentary that was also dangerous because it came after a highly contested Juventus-Roma».

Is there a character linked to Puglia that you carry in your heart? Count for example?

«Never seen someone so in love with his work. Crazy”.

Who is your role model radio commentator?

«Victor Hugo Morales, Uruguayan, the cantor of Maradona’s deeds. He recounted the most beautiful goal in the world in an unrepeatable way. As Italians, Sandro Ciotti and Enrico Ameri were the greatest. But I don’t forget either Riccardo Cucchi and Bruno Gentili».

Today, however, she has become a point of reference.

“I find this weird. I don’t see how they can be inspired by someone who experiences matches so uncontrollably. I don’t do it on purpose, it just comes to me. I can’t abstract myself. Every time I finish a commentary, especially from the national team, I’m exhausted ».

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