Legrottaglie: "It's an eagerly awaited derby"
Nicola Legrottaglie's season turned for the better in 4 days. A good 45-minute-long performance in the big match against Roma, a superb performance - with a goal - wednesday night against Reggina. The defender from Bari hit the top at a crucial time for supporters: just before the double challenge against Torino and Fiorentina.
Claudio Ranieri knows he has another ace up his sleeve for his defence after Boumsong and Andrade's injuries. In the past few days Legrottaglie has been in top form, not only physically, also psychologically. This peace of mind also emerges from his words: "Wednesday was one of the best moments of my career, after difficult years of patience and suffering. Not only did I play well, I also scored. The critics' and supporters' comments pleased me. Years ago it didn't go so well and now I'm here to take up where I left. I've matured a lot, also thanks to my faith, by re-evaluating some of my past attitudes. When I see the photos of when I arrived in Torino, I understand how superficial I was, I just wasn't humble enough. I've understood my mistakes and now I hope to be judged for what I truly am. My future? Until I'm wearing this shirt I'll give everything I can, then it'll be the club's decision, there's mutual appreciation between me and the management.
The goal against Reggina has galvanized the defender who is now hoping he may enter the arena at the derby. A special challenge he has never been able to take on, but having lived in Torino for a long time, he knows how important it is for the supporters and the whole city. "I have a lot of friends in town and many support Torino so the game is special for me too. Some of these play for Torino, like Corini, Lanna and Barone, former team-mates of mine at Chievo. It will be great to face them in front of a big crowd".
Legrottaglie dreams of a spectacular derby, possibly clinched by a much appreciated young team-mate: "
We're going to win 1-0, scored by Criscito on a corner kick. It would be great for the team and a well-deserved prize for him. The week started well for us, I hope it may end the same way. It still is a much-awaited game with no favourites. I just hope it'll be spectacular and entertaining for the public. There's much anticipation after all these years, although the teams have changed a lot since last time. But the appeal is in the game itself, not in the players on the field".
