New Empoli signing Liberato Cacace says Andy Robertson and Fabio Grosso are his favourite football players and his role models.
The 21-year-old moved to the Stadio Castellani from Sint-Truiden on loan with an obligation to buy in January. He made his Serie A debut in Empoli’s last league game away at Bologna. He played just 20 minutes, but it was enough to collect his first yellow card in Italy.
“It’s a great opportunity for my family and me,” the left-back said at his unveiling press conference.
“I didn’t expect to play after just three training sessions with the team. The last minutes of the match were quite defensive, but I had a chance to show my best qualities: run forward and put crosses in.
“My favourite player is Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. Compared to the past, full-backs have more offensive duties nowadays and I like it because I like to attack and provide assists. That’s why my favourite Italian player is Fabio Grosso, who I could watch during the 2006 World Cup.”
The former Inter, Juventus and Palermo defender played a key role in the Azzurri’s triumph in Germany, earning a late penalty kick in the Round of 16 against Australia and scoring the decisive penalty kick during the penalty kick shootout in the Final against France.
Grosso has now become a coach and is in charge of Serie B side Frosinone after a spell in Juventus’ Youth Sector.
Cacace, a New Zealand international, made his senior debut with his national team in June 2018 and has six caps to his name.
“The most popular sport in my country is Rugby, but I’ve always played football which is very popular among young players,” he said.