Italy’s U20 starlet Cesare Casadei says Thiago Silva is one of the Chelsea stars inspiring him at Stamford Bridge but admits that leaving the Blues on loan ‘wasn’t easy.’
The former Nerazzurri midfielder took central stage at the U20 World Cup last week, scoring a brace in a 3-2 win over Brazil. The 20-year-old admitted he didn’t expect to score two goals against the Seleçao.
“It’s a bit of a stretch, but one thing is certain. We wanted to give 100% and we did it. We won and that’s what counts,” he told Gazzetta.
“We have a lot of quality with and without the ball and we are very united. This helps us win because when we have to suffer, it makes the difference.”
Tommaso Baldanzi and Simone Pafundi are among Italy’s starlets at the World Cup and Casadei is impressed by both.
“I’ve known Tommaso for a long time, we’ve played together for two years. It’s the first time with Simone, we’ve been training together for a week and I’ve seen him do great things.”
Casadei, a product of Inter‘s academy, joined Chelsea in a €20m deal last summer and was loaned out to Reading in the English Championship in January 2023.
“I think I’ve made progress, I’ve improved in any aspect in the last year. I put all I have in training, I often speak to my coaches asking them what I can add.
“I’ve found a different reality in the Championship, going from the youth sector t the first team is a big step, it’s not easy but it makes you improve.”
His price tag was not a problem and did not put more pressure on him.
“I only focus on the pitch, I lived the transfer window with serenity and I was waiting for what happened. Things that were said about me have never been a matter of concern.”
Which players have inspired him along the way?
“I was lucky between Inter and Chelsea, I shared the dressing room with many champions and I try to learn from anyone, but if I have to name one, I’d say Thiago Silva.”
His reference point and idol as a kid was another ex-Milan star.
“I grew up watching Kaka I’ve always liked him so much, but then I understood that we don’t exactly have the same characteristics.”