Edoardo Motta Reveals Water Bottle Secret in Shootouts, Identifies Chelsea Legend as His Idol

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·29 de abril de 2026

Edoardo Motta Reveals Water Bottle Secret in Shootouts, Identifies Chelsea Legend as His Idol

Lazio goalkeeper Edoardo Motta revealed how he hid his penalty shootout notes on his water bottle against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Lazio Goalkeeper Edoardo Motta Was Instrumental in Coppa Italia Semi-Final Victory

The 21-year-old emerged as the ultimate hero, as he registered a record by saving four of five spot-kicks, thus securing the Biancocelesti’s place in the grand finale against Inter Milan on May 13. In his interview with Tuttosport, the young shot-stopper explained how the notes he wrote on the water bottle helped him guess the right direction.

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As a child, I often dreamed of saving a penalty. Serenity was the key. It may seem strange to you, but I was absolutely calm. This is my strength. When I saved De Ketelaere’s shot, I was so focused that I didn’t realize it was the decisive save, the one that sealed the match! I had studied all the details of the possible Atalanta penalty takers with the coaches. It was all hidden on a little note, which I had put in the water bottle I always carry with me. I hid it in a towel because I didn’t want anyone to see it. Now I keep it on my bedside table as a memento.

Motta Can’t Shake Off his Mistakes

Despite his heroics in Bergamo, Motta admits that he continues to be haunted by the mistakes he made during the match, especially the one that led to Ederson’s goal, later disallowed following a VAR review.

I still think about the mistakes I made. About what could have cost us the final, the goal that was later disallowed, but would have been decisive in our elimination. This feeling is stronger than me, that’s just how I am, I’m always working to improve.

The goalkeeper failed to gather the ball following a fumble involving Mario Gila. Atalanta striker Nikola Krstovic managed to snatch it from underneath him, but the referee eventually considered it a foul.

Motta Recalls Watching Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus

Italy Gianluigi Buffon lauded Motta for his exploits, and the latter expressed his great admiration for the 2006 World Cup hero, whom he had tried to emulate during his time at the Juventus youth academy.

I have immense respect for Buffon. I watched him play as a child, when I trained in Vinovo, and I tried to learn some of his secrets. I’m happy that a phenomena like Gigi or living legends like Dino Zoff follow me and analyze my saves. It’s a huge responsibility, but also a source of pride.

How Sarri & Lotito Reacted to Motta’s Exploits

Motta understands that Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri is determined to keep him grounded, although he doesn’t have to worry about attitude.

What did the Mister tell me after Atalanta? Nothing. I just did my job, after all. Keep my feet on the ground? He did well to say that. I agree. But I don’t think I’m taking that risk.

On the other hand, Lazio president Claudio Lotito was much more expressive, praising the young man for his character first and foremost.

Lotito hugged me and said something very important: ‘I’m happy, not for your feats, but for the person you are’.

Becoming a Goalkeeper Was the Day-One Dream

Motta insisted that becoming a goalkeeper was always the goal, while naming Chelsea legend Petr Cech as his biggest inspiration.

I chose to be a goalkeeper, not because I was bad with my feet. At my house, we didn’t have a garden, and we often played on gravel. Even though I often hurt myself diving, it didn’t matter to me: I just wanted to be a goalkeeper, right from the start . The first to believe in me was the goalkeeping coach for Alessandria U17. He told me that with conviction. Petr Cech, was my idol. I found him iconic because of the protective helmet he wore on his head. He fascinated me. Certainly, in Italy, it was always Gigi Buffon.

Motta Picks the Best Italian Goalkeepers

The Lazio goalkeeper had to answer some quick-fire questions regarding players from this epoch and previous eras.

Top three Italian goalkeepers today? Donnarumma, Carnesecchi, Vicario. All-time? Buffon, Zoff, Zenga . Best Italian forwards today? Kean, Immobile, Scamacca. The strongest player I’ve seen in Italy? Yildiz, he makes you tremble, he’s a pure talent . Messi or Ronaldo? Messi because he makes talent prevail. He’s not built like Ronaldo. Maradona? Diego is untouchable.

Regarding his personal life, the young Edoardo confirmed he’s ‘on the market’, but he certainly won’t pursue an influencer.

I’m not in a relationship right now because I live for work, and if I ever were to, it certainly wouldn’t be an influencer, but a girl from our area. Have I ever been in love? Yes, back in elementary school. Her name was Martina, but I haven’t seen her since.

Motta joined Lazio in January as a replacement for Christos Mandas, who was loaned out to Bournemouth. He was supposed to act as an understudy to Ivan Provedel, but the latter’s season-ending injury saw the youngster thrust into the starting lineup. Nevertheless, the rising custodian has never looked out of his depth.