Bryan Cristante has given an exclusive interview to Sportweek reflecting on his career, his current environment at Roma, and his vision of modern football. The midfielder offered candid insights into life under Gian Piero Gasperini, his perspective on the Coppa Italia derby against SS Lazio, and the trend of young Italian talent moving abroad.
Cristante spoke candidly about the nature of professional football, saying: "It's beautiful, but it's a mad world, so I followed a straight line: that's what brought me here and I work hard every day." On Gasperini's methods, he praised the intensity of his football, explaining: "With the coach you play attacking football, you run, you attack, you score and you score many goals. It's hard work, but it's fun. Whether you're English or Chinese, you immediately understand what he wants from you." Cristante also reflected on the unique significance of the Derby della Capitale, noting that upon arriving at Roma he was told: "Make sure about the derby. It's a different match from the others, it goes beyond three points."
On the broader issue of Italian young talent seeking opportunities abroad, Cristante expressed a positive view, arguing that sending more players overseas would benefit Italian football development and the national team. He believes the experience matures players by opening their minds to different football cultures.
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Bryan Cristante has reflected extensively on his eight-year tenure at AS Roma in an interview with Sportweek for La Gazzetta dello Sport, emphasizing his deep love for the club and city. The midfielder, who has made 364 appearances, highlighted three defining moments: the Conference League triumph over Feyenoord, the Europa League final penalty loss to Sevilla, and this season's Champions League-clinching victory at Verona. "Roma is a city of which you fall in love immediately," Cristante said, praising the passionate fanbase and the emotional intensity the Stadio Olimpico provides. He acknowledged the unique pressures of playing in the capital, where emotions can swing dramatically between exultation and despair. Regarding current manager Gian Piero Gasperini, whom he previously worked with at Atalanta, Cristante praised his demanding but rewarding methods, noting his attacking football requires constant running and intensity. Cristante also reflected on the significance of the Derby della Capitale against Lazio, describing it as fundamentally different from other matches. He further expressed optimism about Italian young talent gaining experience abroad, believing such moves benefit player development and strengthen the national team.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Bryan Cristante, centrocampista della Roma, si confessa in un’esclusiva intervista a Sportweek in edicola domani. Il mediano giallorosso spazia a 360 gradi, analizzando la sua visione del calcio moderno e il delicato tema dei giovani talenti che scelgono l’estero per crescere. Non mancano poi…”
Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.
