Antonio Gala’s mentors: Spanish football is perfect for his game | OneFootball

Antonio Gala’s lively debut in a friendly against Girona quickly stirred Castellón supporters. The Italian playmaker has signed for CD Castellón until 2030, and his mentors argue Spanish football is ideal for him.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Gala was born in Naples in 2004, grew up in Piscinola idolising Zinedine Zidane, and turned 22 in early July. This is his first move outside Italy after Internapoli and AC Milan’s academy, where Christian Lantignotti coached him at under-16 and under-17.

Lantignotti recalls a boy living alone and short of minutes, yet persistent in training. He highlights Gala’s vision, technique and creativity, plus a bold on-field personality that shrugs off mistakes.

Gala became a leading figure of his age group, a youth international for Italy, and played in the UEFA Youth League. A knee injury slowed him, he reached the Primavera and made senior squads without debuting, as Lantignotti laments a system less trusting of youngsters than Spain.

Spells followed at Sastri Levante and Milan Futuro, then a 2024 move to Calcio Foggia under Luciano Zauri, where he scored twice on debut. Zauri later took him to Campobasso in Serie C, where he shone and drew the eye of Haralabos Voulgaris.

Zauri describes a close bond, calling Gala big-hearted, ambitious and eager to learn, sometimes too fond of the ball. He credits steady work and consistency, saying his ceiling depends on him, while believing Castellón could be the right stage.

Both coaches see a strong fit with Spanish football, citing his willingness to dribble, one-on-one quality, love of duels and work both ways. They add that a combinational, pressing style matches him, and that he has change of pace and the potential to become a goalscoring playmaker if he believes it.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo