Nicolo Rovella Tells How Sealed Lazio Move ‘In 10 Mins’, Names Real Madrid Legend as Idol

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The Laziali

·12 December 2024

Nicolo Rovella Tells How Sealed Lazio Move ‘In 10 Mins’, Names Real Madrid Legend as Idol

Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella looks back on the summer of 2023 when he instantly decided to join the Biancocelesti cause after an invite from Maurizio Sarri.

The Phone Call with Maurizio Sarri

The 23-year-old had only recently rejoined Juventus following a successful loan stint at Monza, but was still finding difficulties in carving himself a place in Max Allegri’s packed midfield department. So as he revealed in his interview with DAZN (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Rovella immediately jumped on the opportunity to sign for Lazio.

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I remember when I was still at Juve in pre-season, Sarri called me and asked me to come to Lazio. I knew there was something and I pushed to come here. When I received the call, I said I wanted to go to Rome. When I arrived I had an injury in pre-season, so I didn’t do much preparation, I was a bit behind physically. So the first month and a half was about adjusting physically, also to understand what Sarri wanted, because tactically he is good, he has clear ideas, but understanding them is not easy straight away. When I adapted, I started playing. Sarri is a master, when he asked me to come to Lazio it was a great honor. I said “Okay, I’ll pack my bags right away”. It took me maybe 10 minutes.

Nicolo Rovella Heaps Praise on Marco Baroni

After heaping praise on his former Lazio manager, Rovella explained how Marco Baroni is an excellent communicator.

Baroni is a good and intelligent person. He asks us a lot, even what we think, he is open to dialogue and this helps us young people to grow and understand mistakes more easily. It is stimulating to form a bond with the coach. He is also good at keeping us with our feet on the ground and taking it one step at a time.

Italy vs France in Lazio Lockers

Rovella also reveals a friendly rivalry between the Italian and French contingents in the Lazio locker room.

When you play football the best thing is having fun. This season, we are having fun and I think it shows. We are a strong group, we are very good friends in the locker room. We have a good relationship with the new players and this is the strength of this Lazio. There are many French and Italians, the two factions. Since Guendouzi has been there it has been a constant battle since we both arrived .

Idolizing Luka Modric

The Italian international named Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric as his role model, and Monza’s Daniel Maldini as his best friend in football.

I absolutely adore Modric. Everyone has an idol as a child and he has always been mine. I have always tried to imitate him even if it is impossible. He is an extraordinary player, the thing I like about him is mainly the tranquility he has with the ball at his feet. In the world of football, my best friend is Daniel Maldini, because we grew up together in Milano and we try to see each other often. Then there is also [Luca] Pellegrini who is here in Rome with me and is one of my best friends in the world of football.

Dreams & Ambitions

Finally, Rovella insisted he never wants to leave Rome, and dreams of winning a trophy at Lazio

I love Rome, I love it. Obviously for the historical aspect, but also for the way of life. I also met my girlfriend here in Rome and that helped me. The truth is that I would never want to leave here. Seeing the Olimpico on my way back home is beautiful and then I love the historical center, especially at night. I love walking around Rome in the evening when I have the day off. My dream, or rather my goal, is to lift a trophy with Lazio. If not this season, then in the next one.