Fabio Miretti opened up about his journey through the Juventus youth system, his admiration of Claudio Marchisio and the chances given to young Italians in Italy.
The 19-year-old Italian midfielder broke through into Massimiliano Allegri’s squad this season, featuring consistently amidst a slight injury crisis in Turin. Miretti has appeared in all of Juventus’ games across Serie A and the Champions League this season, showing positive signs as he continues his growth in Turin.
Speaking to DAZN, Miretti first reflected on the early stages of his career and how he looked ahead to the future.
“When I started playing football it was my dream, there was no precise moment. When I joined Juve I was a child, I always took for granted the contract and that I would have to study to have a future.
“This summer was the end of a demanding season, the U-21, then the U-19 and after the European Championship there was the final exams and until July 10 I was busy at school.”
He touched on some of the difficulties he faced whilst progressing through the Juventus youth system.
“The final exams, at football I have no problems, at school…. Coming to Juve so young, doing the whole journey, makes you mature faster. But it’s also a character thing, since I was a child I’ve always been a leader in the team.
“Then I was captain for many years at youth level, it’s something I have inside me. Entering the Juve dressing room, after going all the way, being a fan, made a big impression on me.
“The debut is not comparable, but there are a number of things that make you realise where you have arrived. The locker room, training with them, the away games and then playing with them.”
The Italian teenager gave his thoughts on Bianconeri legend Marchisio.
“I saw him for the first time in front of a pizzeria in Turin last year. We talked a bit and he wrote me a few messages after the Youth League. He’s a reference point because, when I arrived at Juve’s youth sector, everyone said: ‘There are more those who don’t make it than those who do, look at Marchisio’.
“I made it in this mini journey, from the youth sector to the first team, but now comes the difficult part.”
He gave his thoughts on Juventus’ slow start to the season and their current form.
“Regardless of the period, us players have to do our best to win. It’s a question of responsibility and attachment to the shirt.
“We know that the injured could give us a hand, but those who go out there have a responsibility regardless of who is absent. We are Juve and we have to win. I am a ‘gobbo’ from top to bottom, I always have been.”
Finally, Miretti discussed the suggestion that young players struggle for playing time in Serie A.
“In my opinion that’s not true. Now I have had a little more space, Scalvini who is the same age as me is playing. Perhaps abroad they are less afraid to throw them in, but then it’s always the pitch that judges.
“I like Scalvini, we have always played against each other in the youth leagues and together in the national team, he is very strong.”
Well. He is the one who is wrong. Way wrong.
When Italians are down to measly 33% then it means Italian players are being betrayed.