Monza midfielder Andrea Colpani highlighted how it was ‘crazy’ to join the senior Italy squad for their must-win Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Azzurri are preparing to face off against North Macedonia on November 17 and Ukraine on November 20 in their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers, games they cannot afford to lose as they fight for a spot in next summer’s tournament.
Colpani has proven himself to be one of the most exciting up-and-comers in Serie A and has shined for Monza this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist across 12 league matches. He is expected to be a central figure in next summer’s transfer window.
Speaking at Coverciano via Calciomercato.com, Colpani first opened up about how it felt to receive the call to join the Italy national team.
“It’s crazy to come here and play with the senior national team, with the champions who are part of it, it’s extraordinary. I found out about it from social media.
“I was finishing training before the match against Torino, and I saw the post with the list. In a roundabout way I had learned that I was among those pre-called, but I wanted certainty.
“I was hoping for it, with Monza I’m giving my all. The real emotion is wearing the shirt, training, being in the group, it’s difficult to describe.”
The 24-year-old midfielder spoke about his close relationship with Azzurri teammate Alessandro Bastoni, who he could join at Inter next summer.
“My confidant here was Bastoni, we’ve known each other all our lives and he made me fit into the rest of the group.
“My career in the youth team was fundamental, I started at Atalanta at eight years old and they gave me a lot, I they taught me to play football by giving me fundamental foundations, I will thank them for life.
“But real football is when you leave home, in Trapani I had a year that I’m really proud of.”
He touched on how it would feel to represent Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Wearing the Azzurri shirt in one of the most beautiful stadiums in Italy with 75,000 people… I already have goosebumps…”
Finally, Colpani discussed his idol in the national team.
“Totti, for the penalty against Australia. It was important. His imagination, his plays that only he saw, an infinite quality.”