From Calabria to Sassuolo alongside Berardi, he played only one Serie A match. After moving between 11 teams and helping Monza, Como, and Pisa reach the top flight, he now declares in Modena: “It`s the same here, but I need to stay.”
Ettore Gliozzi, who turned thirty yesterday, has spent half of his career constantly on the move. From his hometown of Siderno to Sassuolo and then across Italy, amidst goals and too many injuries, he has continually sought a place to settle down. In Modena, he hopes to have finally found his home, and in the meantime, he continues to score goals relentlessly.
Since 2014, your name has been a constant presence in the transfer market, with six summer moves and four in January. What`s the reason for this?
“I arrived in Sassuolo at 15, and at 19, I started the loan circuit until I became a free agent. Suitcase always packed and ready to go. My wife and I have been together for six years and have lived in six different cities.”
Which transfer stands out most in your memory?
“I remember the one to Monza; Galliani himself called me. It was close to the end of the transfer window, and he really wanted me. I wanted to go to Serie B, but I liked that project at Monza.”
Do you prefer Berlusconi`s Monza or the Hartono`s Como?
“Like at Pisa, all three were clubs with an ambitious project to reach Serie A, and they succeeded. I believe I contributed, but I didn`t want to be the third or fourth striker, so I always sought new opportunities.”
Is there any transfer you regret having accepted?
“I struggled a bit when I spent six months at Cesena and six at Padova after an injury. However, those were necessary steps for my career, and I have no regrets.”
You`ve worn 11 different jerseys across Italy. Is there one you feel a stronger connection to?
“At Pisa, I reached double-digit goals in Serie B for the first time, and my daughter was born there. And then there`s Modena, where we`re thinking of settling down and perhaps… having another child.”
You started with long hair, now you`re shaved…
“I`ve changed many teams and also… many looks (laughs). To be honest, I`ve lost some hair too. But this way it`s more comfortable, really.”
By June, Modena will represent the longest spell of your career: two and a half seasons.
“I immediately felt close to the club and the fans; it`s the right place for me.”
Perhaps this is also the beginning of a journey destined for Serie A…
“Exactly, this time I wouldn`t want to just experience the beginning of that journey. The club has a big project, and I`m trying to be an active part of it and find the stability I need.”
Your wife, Federica Benincà, participated in “Uomini e Donne” (a popular Italian dating show): the old myth of the footballer and the showgirl still seems to work.
“Yes, that was a phase in her life before I met her. For me, she wasn`t a public figure, just as she wasn`t interested in a footballer. I was in Siena, Federica is Mattia Aramu`s wife`s best friend, and that`s how it all started.”
This stability also works on the field, with 3 goals in 4 matches: previously with Modena, you had only scored 5 in 41 appearances…
“And I even missed a penalty in Mantova! My family has given me a lot of balance. I`ve paid more attention to nutrition and I train more diligently in the gym.”
Modena lost Palumbo, and despite a significant transfer window, they haven`t replaced him.
“We`ve changed our playing style; we`re much more proactive and create many chances: it`s up to us upfront to convert them. We have many strong players.”
Gliozzi, Caso, Defrel, Mendes, plus an adapted Di Mariano… a robust attacking department.
“There`s healthy competition, and they`re always the first to hug me when I score. However, for me, scoring isn`t an obsession, but a consequence of hard work.”
On the last day of the transfer window, either De Luca or Cerri could have arrived, and you might have lost your spot.
“I`ve already played with Cerri at Como, and we both scored 10 goals. I have no issues with any teammate.”
Who are the strongest strikers, in your opinion?
“Coda, for what he`s proven, and now Pohjanpalo. Among the young players, I believe this year should be Shpendi`s from Cesena.”
Which teams do you consider stronger than Modena?
“Palermo, and then the relegated teams from Serie A.”
You`ve won Serie C with Padova and Monza. Is it time to win Serie B as well?
“It would be the culmination of a journey that began at 15, when I left Calabria for Sassuolo.”
Just like Domenico Berardi.
“I arrived a year after him; we`re very good friends.”
Only one Serie A match, with Sassuolo in 2014. Isn`t that a bit few for your career?
“Yes, indeed. Di Francesco gave me my debut against Torino, and it`s the fondest memory I have. But I wanted more playing time, so I started moving around: my first stop was Forlì.”
Between Serie B and Serie C, you`ve scored 76 goals: what`s your deadline to reach 100?
“A couple of years. I hope it coincides with Modena`s promotion and the arrival of a little brother for Arianna.”
