Exclusive with Roberto De Luca: Gatti ‘a footballer with enormous potential’

Federico Gatti is a footballer with enormous potential, according to Roberto De Luca, sports journalist of “L’inchiesta”. He told Max Statman all about Juventus’ new centre back, for who the Bianconeri will pay 7.5 million euros plus bonuses to Frosinone. “I find him similar, with due proportions of course, to Inter’s Milan Skriniar.”

What are Gatti’s strengths to begin with?

“First of all, he is a player who is hungry, has lived through the ranks and this makes the difference. His beautiful story started in Piedmont, one full of sweat and sacrifice. Up to 3 years ago, he was breaking his back for 9-10 hours a day as a bricklayer and window maker.

Now, thanks to Frosinone who found him in the summer at Pro Patria with scouting work conducted by Guido Angelozzi and his collaborators, he has stood out. Technically he is a wall, physically strong, good at defending forward and very skilled with his feet to distribute the ball on the ground from the defense. In addition, he also has the ability to score. In short, a footballer with enormous potential.”

In what areas can Gatti still improve?

“I think he should improve in everything because he has ample room for growth. But then again, he has considerable technical potential.”

How has Gatti performed this season for Frosinone?

“Great. Half of the Serie A including Juventus were on him. Torino and Napoli were actually more interested. In Frosinone, he was renamed “The Wall” Ciociaro, a nickname that needs no further explanation. His story is an example of life for everyone: never give up and stop fighting to achieve your dreams.”

Can you name a player that’s similar to Gatti? There have been people mentioning Bonucci for example. To which player can we compare Gatti in your opinion?

“I find him similar, with due proportions of course, to Inter’s Milan Skriniar. I associate the characteristics and way of defending with him.”

Gatti will stay at Frosinone until the end of the season and then he joins Juventus. Is he ready for such a big step?

“In my opinion he has everything to do well, naturally with humility and determination. Juventus made a great shot in perspective. Now, however, he will have to be good at keeping his feet on the ground, staying focused on Frosinone and the rest of the season. Winning promotion to Serie A would be the best way to say goodbye to the yellow and blue team.”

For how long have Juventus been following Gatti?

“The Bianconeri have been following him for some time. In this sense, the presence of an observer of the Old Lady in the stands of the “Benito Stirpe” last December 18 for the match Frosinone against Spal was anything but casual. A game that once again highlighted Gatti’s enormous potential, not only defensively but also offensively, given that he had scored a brace.”