Di Lorenzo: Worked my way up, now I want World Cup with Italy | OneFootball

A journey made of sacrifice, passion, and determination: the all-encompassing story of the full-back and Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, spanning past, present, and future goals.

Napoli, Di Lorenzo: “The hard work was important for me, now I want the World Cup with Italy”

“I never gave up, not even without a team”

In an exclusive interview with Vivo Azzurro TV, Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo revealed the secret to his career: tenacity and resilience. “My secret? Never giving up, even when I was without a team,” says the national team full-back.

Di Lorenzo explained how his passion for football turned into a career: “I had a difficult journey, but achieving these results after so much hard work gives it a different and special flavor.”

The hard work that shaped the man and the player

The Napoli captain described the hard work as a fundamental step in his personal and professional growth:

“It was important because it shaped me as a boy and as a man, as well as a player. I grew up faster than other kids, leaving Tuscany very young to go to Reggio Calabria. Becoming a footballer was always my dream, which became a concrete goal. Reaching Serie A and the national team has a unique flavor.”

In particular, the years spent in Reggio Calabria and Matera were key milestones: “There were tough moments, like when I found myself without a team, but the support of my family and my wife helped me overcome them and reach these achievements.”

From childhood goalscorer to successful defender

Di Lorenzo also spoke about his beginnings as a striker: “As a child, I scored a lot of goals and for that I had the nickname ‘Batigol’. Then, little by little, I moved to more defensive roles until I became a defender.”

The photo of little Di Lorenzo with his football bag symbolizes the dream that has now become reality: two league titles with Napoli and the European Championship victory with the national team. “When you reach these achievements with a journey like mine, the satisfaction is even greater.”

Private life and pride in wearing the blue jersey

Off the pitch, Di Lorenzo emphasizes the importance of family: “Playing every three days, there isn’t much time for my daughters, but I try to make the most of it.”

The memory of his first national team call-up is still vivid: “It was an incredible surprise, my first year at Napoli and that’s where it all started. It’s an honor to wear the Italy jersey.”

Euro 2021 and the race towards the 2026 World Cup

Di Lorenzo recalls the European Championship victory with emotion: “We spent more than a month together, with an incredible atmosphere. The key was the team spirit, everyone focused on a single goal.”

Looking to the future: “This national team is coming from a difficult period. With the new coach, we’ll have to make the most of every minute at Coverciano to aim for the 2026 World Cup. It’s a responsibility we feel and we want to qualify at all costs.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.