Talented teenager Luca D’Andrea, who broke into the Sassuolo first team this season, underlined his love for Diego Maradona and Napoli.
The Neroverdi picked up the 18-year-old forward from SPAL’s youth system in January of this year and slotted him into their Primavera squad, eventually giving him his first team debut in the 1-0 win over Torino last month. D’Andrea provided an assist in the 2-1 loss to Atalanta last weekend and seems to be the latest talented youngster looking to make his name with Sassuolo.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, D’Andrea first discussed his love for Maradona and his dream of playing for Napoli.
“I know everything about Maradona, when I was a child they only talked to me about him and I would look for the videos. I fell in love with Diego, I am a Napoli fan and my dream is to play there.”
He reflected on his introduction to football and the impact of his family.
“Football has helped me, it has always been my reason for living. Since I was four years old I would spend the day in the street playing. My mother would call me from the window to let me go and eat. But after dinner I would go back downstairs, even though there is never anyone on the street at a certain time.
“People are afraid, the situation is bad. I was always with the older boys, I was good with the ball and so they accepted me. And my head helped me, I also saw a lot of bad things, but when I realised something was happening, I left. I grew up fast. Some friends took the wrong path, it happens to many in that neighbourhood.
“But there are also a lot of honest people. And when I came back after my Serie A debut, they gave me a big party. My family still lives there: dad Antonio, mum Mariana and then Pasquale, Mattias and Simona. My dream is to take them all to Sassuolo with me. Even though I have it tattooed on my arm, me playing in the streets next to the houses.”
The 18-year-old spoke about trialling out at clubs and how difficult it was to break into the world of professional football.
“There were difficult moments, but I always overcame them with enthusiasm, because I had my path with the ball in my head. For this I also thank those who didn’t believe in me and I always remember that every day was and is a challenge against them.
“I would try out, even with important teams, and they would say ‘We’ll be in touch’. And then no one would show up and I would learn that I had been rejected because I was small or not good enough.
“I carry all the negative judgements with me and they push me every day, at the training camp I never spare myself, I come out soaking wet, because I have to prove them wrong.
“One-on-one is a way of life, I do it on the pitch, but also off it if I have to. And I demand a lot from myself, as a kid if I missed a goal, I would cry for two minutes. Now I’ve learned to metabolise that anger.”
D’Andrea discussed how it felt to join SPAL and rise through the ranks.
“When I was 13 I went to SPAL and I lived in the boarding school, the first times were hard. Luckily dad came to see me often and gave me strength. Then I did the first lockdown for COVID in total solitude.
“A crazy experience, in the boarding school there was only me and the tutor. I trained every day in my room following the programme I was given. I was also positive and they would leave my meals outside the door.”
Finally, D’Andrea discussed his move to Sassuolo and his ambitions with the club.
“It was my chance. I have to thank Francesco Palmieri, who strongly wanted me in January 2022. I was supposed to be with the Primavera, but then in the summer I went on training camp with the first team. And the debut and the first assist arrived.
“Now I know I have to be patient. In the meantime I enjoy every moment, the teachings of my teammates. Berardi fills me with advice, he’s a wonderful person and an example.
“I had a great relationship with Raspadori, who explained the movements and how to attack the goal, Jack’s voice is always in my head.
“And then coach Dionisi invites me to aim at the man and insist if I make a mistake. Sassuolo is ideal for young players and I hope to make a good number of appearances this year.”