Young Jacopo Fazzini, Fiorentina`s new signing, expresses confidence for a strong season, revealing that coach Pioli intends to use him as an attacking midfielder.
Jacopo Fazzini, born in 2003, is aiming to make his mark in professional football with Fiorentina, the team he has supported since childhood. The passion for the Viola runs deep in his family: “Believe me, I`m not making this up,” he states. “My great-grandfather played for Fiorentina in its founding year, 1926, and even scored a goal. For the club`s 90th anniversary, my mother Daniela and I, then thirteen, were invited. Just as I say that everyone in our family plays tennis, I also affirm that we are fervent Viola fans.”
Joining Fiorentina
Jacopo explains that his first contact with Fiorentina came after the championship ended, while he was with the Under 21 team. “When my agent, Luca Puccinelli, mentioned it, I told him `let`s go immediately`.” Despite having a contract with Empoli until 2027, he had been looking for a step up since January. Now, he feels happy and well-received at Florence`s “splendid center.”
Pioli`s Influence and Fazzini`s Role
Coach Pioli believes in his potential and actively supports him: “He helps us, gives us advice, makes you review your mistakes. He has clear ideas.” Fazzini has chosen the number 22, previously worn by Gudmundsson and also by Kakà, a player Fazzini has always admired. He considers himself an “offensive central midfielder,” but Pioli uses him as an attacking midfielder (trequartista), asking him “to link play and attack space.” His integration into the new team has been “Top,” as he immediately “felt comfortable.”
Teammate Impressions and Personal Strengths
Regarding teammate Gudmundsson, Fazzini describes him as “very strong,” appreciating “his first touch, dribbling, and shot.” On Moise Kean, Fazzini states: “Extremely strong. A super physical powerhouse. When he shifts the ball to shoot, it`s incredible.” Fazzini sees himself excelling in dribbling and offensive transitions but acknowledges needing to “improve in defensive intensity.”
Reflecting on Last Season and Friendship
Last season at Empoli ended with four important goals, but they weren`t enough to avoid relegation to Serie B. A troublesome thigh muscle injury slowed him down, but upon his return, he regained “desire and consistency,” factors that were missing from the team between December and April, along with too many injuries. Baldanzi is “like a brother” to him; they spent a weekend in Paris together. He is confident that Baldanzi “will seize his opportunities at Roma.”
A Glimpse into Personal Life
Jacopo describes himself as a “pure Viareggio native,” with a simple life: “dear friends, PlayStation, and sometimes I play. My girlfriend. Family: dad`s an accountant, mom`s a teacher.” The family also has a third child, Carolina, who suffers from Rett syndrome, a rare disease that only affects women. “Tommaso and I, as much as we can, lend a hand and have learned to live with it.” They founded the “Ti amo” association and are supporting research for a cure, although the journey is long. This experience has taught him that “the important things in life are elsewhere.” Despite his football commitments, he balances his studies in Sports Science, which he pursues online. In Viareggio, Marcello Lippi lives on the same street, and Pierluigi Collina used to live there too. “Every now and then we exchange a few words.”
Tuscan Roots and European Ambitions
He has completed a “Tuscany tour,” from Viareggio to Empoli by train as a boy, a stage he considers “important” and part of his life. Now he lives in Florence, ten minutes from Viola Park to avoid traffic. In the locker room, the team has set “goals to reach as high as possible” for European competitions. “We are strong,” he declares, but acknowledges that football has truly changed, and all teams are well-prepared. Nevertheless, he is “confident.” He noted a good second half against Cagliari, but against Torino, the team was slow and lacked intensity. The next challenge is Napoli.
Memorable Moments
His highlight so far was the slalom against Polissya, culminating in hitting the post. “Do you know how many times I`ve rewatched it? A defender`s heel deflected it, otherwise, it would have gone in and been wonderful.”
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