Goal.com Exclusive: Pablo Piatti - I Like Juventus And Milan
Estudiantes forward Pablo Piatti is one of the most heavily touted young prospects in Argentina. Our Italian correspondent Antonio D'Ottavio had a chance to talk to the eighteen year old about his future, and in particular the chances of him moving to Italy, in a Goal.com exclusive interview.
Goal.com: Pablo, what are you thoughts on the Italian championship? Do you follow it regularly? Do you have a favourite team?
I certainly keep track of it. Whenever I have time I always watch Serie A. At the moment it is not possible to deny that Inter are the best team. They've won two championships and are close to getting a third. But the two teams I like the most are Juventus and AC Milan.
Who is your favourite Italian player?
Totti, without a doubt.
Which position do you feel most comfortable playing?
I am content to play wherever the coach asks, but if it could choose I would select the second forward position as it gives me freedom to move across the line of attack.
Serie A, La Liga or the Premier League, which would be your preferred choice?
I do not have a preference, but I believe that anyone of those three championships would give me a great opportunity to grow as a player.
But your Italian origins are evident (his grandparents originally come from Bérgamo). Can you imagine playing in the Calcio?
It is a decision that is not only mine to make, but it is true that Italy is spoken of a lot in my house and we have some customs from the country, such as the food. My mother speaks Italian, but my brother and I limited ourselves to just listening...(laughs).
Juventus are following you in their search for a long-term replacement for Alessandro Del Piero. What do you think about being considered as his possible heir?
Heir to Del Piero? It seems to me that you are exaggerating (laughs). We are not speaking about just any player. He is a number ten that has made history for Juventus and is still a great player, decisive for his team.
Which other players from Argentina do you think we will see in Europe in the near future?
There are many. The first ones that come to mind are Lautaro Acosta of Lanús, Diego Buonanotte of River and Alejandro "Papu" Gómez of Arsenal. However, there are so many that it is certain I have forgotten some of them (laughs).
Interview by Antonio D'Ottavio, translation by Nick Dorrington