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Author: Steven Moore

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Exclusives Serie A Spezia

Daniele Verde Discusses Spezia Career, Napoli Dream, MLS & More

Daniele Verde - Spezia - Serie A - TLN Exclusive Interview
Daniele Verde - Spezia - Serie A - TLN Exclusive Interview

Spezia attacker Daniele Verde was exclusively interviewed by TLN TV to discuss his arrival at the club, his relationship with the supporters, his favourite memories at the Stadio Alberto Picco, his wonder goal against Lazio, the possibility of playing for Napoli or in Major League Soccer, swapping jerseys with Lionel Messi, and much more.

Signing for Spezia

Verde officially signed for Spezia back in July 2021 from AEK Athens following a one-year loan spell in Liguria during the club’s first-ever season in Serie A. He has since scored 21 goals and provided 9 assists in 76 appearances (as of March 2023).

“IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF ‘CLUB’ AND THERE WAS A DIRECTOR WHO WANTED ME STRONGLY. FOR ME THESE ARE THE BASICS MEANING THAT IF SOMEONE STRONGLY WANTS YOU IT’S DIFFICULT TO REFUSE NO MATTER WHAT.”

Relationship With Supporters

The 26-year-old has a terrific relationship with the fanbase. Last year, he made a promise to the fans – he said that if Spezia didn’t get relegated that he would dye his beard white.

“SINCE I CAME HERE THREE YEARS AGO, IT’S LIKE I HAD LIVED HERE FOR A LONG TIME. I IMMEDIATELY FOUND A COMMUNITY AND A WARM FAMILY READY TO WELCOME ME AND THIS FEELING STUCK WITH THESE SPECTACULAR FANS THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET – THAT I WILL ALWAYS CARRY IN MY HEART.”

Favourite Memories at the Stadio Alberto Picco

Derbies, goals, victories – Verde has experienced everything at the Stadio Alberto Picco.

“PERSONALLY, I LIKE THE MOMENTS OF HAPPINESS. SO ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, I CAN TELL YOU IT WAS LAST YEAR, SCORING IN THE DERBY AND WINNING IT AGAINST SAMPDORIA. IN TERMS OF THE TEAM, IT WAS THE LAST FEW GAMES AT THE STADIUM, WITH THE JOY AND CELEBRATION OF THE FANS AS WE MANAGED TO STAY IN SERIE A.”

Verde Wonder Goal Against Lazio

On April 3, 2021, at the Stadio Olimpico, Verde scored one of the goals of the season – an overhead kick against Lazio.

“I DON’T KNOW, MAYBE THAT’S WHAT THE LORD WANTED. MYSELF, I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY – AFTER DAYS AND WEEKS, I FINALLY REALIZED THE NICE GESTURE I MADE. I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING IN THE MOMENT. MY TEAMMATES REPEATED IT TO ME BUT I DIDN’T HEAR ANY VOICES. THEY KEPT TELLING ME THAT I HAD SCORED A GREAT GOAL BUT I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING.”

Napoli Return On the Cards?

Despite being born in Naples, Verde started his career north with Roma. However, playing for his hometown remains a dream for him; especially having ‘blue blood’.

“IT’S ALWAYS NICE, MAYBE LIVING IN YOUR CITY. YOU KNOW ALL OF US HAVE THESE THINGS AS A CHILD – THESE DREAMS THAT ONE ALWAYS THINKS OF REACHING, EVEN UNKNOWINGLY. SO PLAYING FOR MY CITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT DREAM FOR ME. I HAVE BLUE BLOOD – THE BLOOD OF MY CITY.”

Would Verde Ever Make the Move to MLS?

Last year, Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi, and Giorgio Chiellini left Serie A to play in North America. Verde says that this has resulted in several positives for not only Italians but other foreigners when deciding whether or not to make the switch.

“IT’S OFTEN TALKED ABOUT HERE IN ITALY. IN RECENT YEARS IT HAS GROWN A LOT BOTH AS A BRAND AND AS A LEAGUE. THERE ARE MANY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN AND MANY FOREIGNERS WHO TRANSFER THERE SO WE HEAR ABOUT IT OFTEN. TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, I WOULDN’T MIND IT BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCE BEYOND EVERYTHING – IT’S A DIFFERENT CULTURE, EVERYTHING IS VERY DIFFERENT.”

Swapping Jerseys With Lionel Messi

One of the greatest players to ever touch the pitch, Verde had the opportunity to not only play against Messi but also swap jerseys with the Argentine legend while a member of Real Valladolid CF – a moment that he holds very dear to his heart.

“I HAD ASKED ALREADY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME IF HE WANTED TO EXCHANGE IT AFTERWARDS AND HE HAD TOLD ME YES. AT THE END OF THE GAME I REMINDED HIM – HE TOOK OFF HIS SHIRT AND GAVE IT TO ME. FOR ME, I MIGHT AS WELL STOP PLAYING SOCCER – HIS JERSEY IS THE ULTIMATE LEVEL.”

Full Interview With Daniele Verde

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Atalanta Serie A

Rasmus Hojlund Discusses Haaland Comparisons & Relationship With Lookman

Rasmus Hojlund - Atalanta - Serie A - TLN
Rasmus Hojlund - Atalanta - Serie A - TLN

Atalanta attacker Rasmus Hojlund sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 26 to speak about his family, 2022, comparisons with Erling Haaland, and his relationship with Ademola Lookman.

Soccer DNA

Sometimes it’s a matter of talent, sometimes it’s all about sacrifice and sometimes it’s down to DNA. That seems to be the case for Atalanta’s Hojlund.

“I grew up in a family with a lot of football and related things. My brothers play in Copenhagen now, my father played before, we always talk at the family dinner about football and it must be hard for my mother sometimes but she is also interested and supports us.”

A Year to Remember

2022 will always stand out for the 20-year-old Dane: in just 9 months he moved twice and got his first international call-up.

“It’s been a crazy year for me, because I went from being a reserve player in Copenaghen to getting a very good opportunity in Austria, in the summer I went to Atalanta, a very big club down here in Italy and I’m very happy here, it’s a good step, the right step in my career.”

Erling Haaland Comparisons

As a tall, left-footed, blonde and Scandinavian striker, Hojlund’s destiny could be naturally compared to that of Erling Haaland… but he has another role model in mind.

“My father introduced me when he was at United then me and my best friend followed him when he was at Madrid […] I just like his mentality, I love that he’s so eager to score a goal, the thing for me is he is so passionate about wanting to be the best and I like it.”

Relationship With Ademola Lookman

Lookman was signed as a backup for Duvan Zapata, but, due to the Colombian’s injury, he found himself playing alongside another Serie A debutant. With 18 goals and 7 assists between them, they’re Serie A’s third-best attacking duo.

“Me and Ademola Lookman – I think we compensate each other well, he is good at dribbling and I’m more the hold-up 9, you can say, so yeah this is why we have a good understanding for each other. The best so far, is to be Salernitana at home one month ago, a nice game, we won 8-2, I scored and a lot of people scored, the fans were celebrating, it was at home, everything was perfect about that day.”

Watch the Full Interview With Rasmus Hojlund

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Bologna Serie A

Joaquin Sosa Discusses Uruguay’s Ties to Bologna & Manager Motta

Joaquin Sosa - Bologna -Serie A - TLN
Joaquin Sosa - Bologna -Serie A - TLN

Bologna defender Joaquin Sosa sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 26 to speak about his story and joining the Rossoblu, adapting to life in Italy, and Thiago Motta.

Following In the Footsteps of Fellow Uruguayans

Centre-back Sosa is the 24th Uruguayan to play for Bologna in the club’s 114-year history.

“I’m from Fray Bentos, a small city in Uruguay with 25,000 or 30,000 inhabitants. It’s a big footballing city. Just like in every part of Uruguay, everyone there loves their football. Many Uruguayan players have played for this club and I’m fully aware of that: Gaston Ramirez, (Diego) Ruso Perez, Zalayeta and quite a few others. I’m so proud to be at this club and in this city.”

Adapting to Life in Italy & Serie A

After taking a few months to get settled into the side, he’s now proving his skills and spirit in the heart of the Rossublù defence.

“I’ve started quite a few games. I’m really happy about starting to play a bigger role at the club. We’ve all got a great relationship with the boss. We discuss what each player needs and what we can bring to the table. I like taking part in building from the back. I like keeping the ball, but sometimes I can’t do much of that based on the position that I play in because I’m at the back and it can be risky. As I’ve said, I like keeping possession and I’m always focused when I don’t have the ball. When a player has their back to me, I’m a bit more aggressive as well.”

The Thiago Motta Effect

Under Thiago Motta, Bologna have risen from 17th to 8th. They lead Serie A in winning the ball back in the opposition half and play well-balanced attacking football.

“We’re in a good position in the table. There’s no secret. It’s down to hard work and correcting mistakes. We try to keep a high line meaning we’re in less danger of conceding. Once we regain possession we try to move the ball forward quickly, seeking out the wingers or the striker and hope they can keep the ball so we can hit on the counter.”

Watch the Full Interview With Joaquin Sosa

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Salernitana Serie A

Lassana Coulibaly Discusses Salernitana Season & Seydou Keita Inspiration

Salernitana midfielder Lassana Coulibaly sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 25 to speak about fellow countryman Seydou Keita, his importance to the Granata, and the club’s remainder of the season.

Fellow Countryman Seydou Keita

There’s only one Malian footballer currently playing in Serie A. Salernitana’s Lassana Coulibaly, who’s from Bamakò, wants to follow in the footsteps of his fellow countryman Seydou Keita. That classy midfielder ended his decorated career at Roma in 2016.

“Seydou Keita was a great player. Especially for Malians, he’s one our best players. After Barcelona, he came to Italy. We all wanted to be like him when he was playing. Even if we didn’t have the same quality as him, we wanted to get where he was and have the career he had.”

Importance to the Granata

Since joining Salernitana in 2021 from French side Angers, Coulibaly has become the heart and soul of the team. The 26-year-old is one of the top flight’s best defensive midfielders.

“I’m one of the important players in this team. I’m not alone but have the help of my teammates on the pitch. They encourage me, like I encourage them too. I think this team expects a lot from me. The only thing I can do, whether in training or a match, is to give my best and try hard. Together, we must put our soul into it and fight, like we did last year. When everyone thought it was over, nothing could stop us.”

Improvement & End of Season Predictions

As they seek to secure a third successive season in Serie A, the Granata have appointed the vastly experienced Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa. He replaced Davide Nicola in mid-February.

“We’ve already seen lots of improvements under the new coach, whether that’s on the physical or technical level. He encourages us a lot to hold on to the ball, to play, and to be more clinical in the opponent’s half, to take risks, and be proactive in taking shots. If we as players focus on what he says to us and do as he says, there’ll be no way we’ll be down at the bottom. We’d certainly be in the top 10.”

Watch the Full Interview With Lassana Coulibaly

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Cremonese Serie A

Emanuele Valeri Discusses Serie A Debut & Cremonese Chances of Salvation

Emanuele Valeri - Cremonese - Serie A - TLN
Emanuele Valeri - Cremonese - Serie A - TLN

Cremonese defender Emanuele Valeri sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 24 to speak about his debut in the Italian top flight, his professional career, and the club’s performances this season.

Memorable Moment at the Stadio Olimpico

For footballers born in Rome, there can only be one dream. To perform on the stage of the modern Colosseum, the Stadio Olimpico.

“I’ll never forget heading out onto the pitch and seeing so many fans at the stadium. I’d never seen anything like it. Maybe I’d seen as many fans in other games as a spectator but the atmosphere and the love for those colours on the pitch can only be created by the fans. It was a mix of emotions because I said to myself, ‘Playing in front of so many fans, I’ve done it’.”

From Serie D to Serie A

That day also saw Valeri’s Serie A debut. The Cremonese left-back had risen from the fourth tier of Italian football.

“I started out in the fourth division, or even lower down in the fifth tier. I had one season of fun with my friends and everything then stemmed from there. A Serie D team called Rieti came after me and I then went up to Serie C with Lecce. Cremonese then signed me in Serie B, so it’s not like going from the Academy side to Serie A. I’ve gone up from division to division myself and said to myself that I can do better and better.”

Can Cremonese Survive the Drop?

Cremonese often show flashes of brilliance– but they remain winless, stranded at the bottom of the table. And this is despite the fact that the coach, Davide Ballardini, appointed in January, is an expert in battling relegation.

“I expected Serie A to be really different. I didn’t think the players and clubs would be so well equipped with so many good players. The step from Serie B to Serie A is effectively a three- or four-division jump. The level of focus goes up, as do the whole team’s physical and mental levels. All the players are well-prepared, so it’s a big hurdle to overcome because not everyone manages it. That’s what you have to do if you want to stay in Serie A. My experience can help me if we keep fighting and don’t give up, while having an open approach to every game, playing Milan, Inter or Juve isn’t easy, but if we stick together, as we’ve been since the start of the year, it’s a target that we can go after.”

Watch the Full Interview With Emanuele Valeri

Categories
Serie A Spezia

Emil Holm Discusses Start of Professional Career & Spezia Supporters

Emil Holm - Spezia -Serie A - TLN
Emil Holm - Spezia -Serie A - TLN

Spezia defender Emil Holm sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 23 to speak about his football inspiration, the start of his professional career, and the Aquilotti’s supporters.

Football Inspiration

If you were born around the year 2000, you belong to Gen Z. But if you grew up in Sweden, even if you play as a defender, you belong to generation Zlatan…

“For me Zlatan has always been my top idol, I have read his book three times in school. I have followed Zlatan since I was able to see football games, I am unfortunately not able to speak with him yet but I hope he can come to play a game here against us in spring.”

Start of Professional Career

Holm is a Serie A newcomer but he’s already one of the stars on the right flank. His hard running and precise crosses have put his talent, developed by one of Sweden’s most historic teams, on the big clubs’ radars.

“My first memory was when I was seven years old, I was watching them win the league, 2007, for me IFK Göteborg was always been my club and I’m very proud to have been played in that club so for me playing in my hometown, in front of my parents, friends was my dream.”

Spezia Supporters

Spezia’s supporters love him. An affection made all the stronger by Holm’s fantastic performance in the regional derby with Sampdoria, a comeback victory, and by his crucial goal against a relegation rival.

“Every derby no matter where you play always feels the tension in the city. I felt this and triggered me. Especially at home when we are 1-0 down like you feel the crowd wants more and then we can give the equaliser then you feel it in your body we gonna do 2-1, and when we do we are totally beautifully is amazing. When I’m on the pitch I give 100% to the fans because we play for them, for the club, we play for the badge. I’m committed 100% and when I score I want to show I’m very happy and give them energy so they give us energy.”

Watch the Full Interview With Emil Holm

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Lecce Serie A

Morten Hjulmand Discusses Skillset & Danish Connection With Serie A

Morten Hjulmand - Lecce - Serie A - TLN
Morten Hjulmand - Lecce - Serie A - TLN

Lecce midfielder Morten Hjulmand sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 23 to speak about his skill set and abilities, his inspiration in the league, and the Danish connection to Italian football.

Skill Set & Abilities

Hjulmand leads the way in Serie A when it comes to balls recovered. The Lecce captain, who’s in his debut season in the Italian top flight, is a dynamic and gritty midfielder.

“I remember when I came to Italy this was a part of my play, part of my game to go into a lot of sliding tackles, but of course what  Alessandro Nesta said it’s true that if you go into a sliding tackle means you made a mistake, so I still try to stand on my feet to take the ball and not going to a sliding tackle but of course it’s a part of football to fight and win duels so if I have to do it of course I will go into sliding tackles at every time. I think the reason why I became a good player to recover the balls is the way I read the game, before the games I try to study who I’ll play against in the opponent team but it’s also the feeling you have on the pitch to know what the opponent will do, to know where the ball will go, so I think it’s more like a natural instinct I have.”

Watching & Learning

In order to upgrade his passing game, the 23-year-old Dane has been studying the playmaking skills of Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic.

“I try every time I watch Inter to look only at him, to learn from him. Of course Brozovic has a very good way of running with and without the ball, always to be able to get the ball and take their play forward so the way he runs around always ready to receive the ball and playing in front is something I try to study.”

Danish Connection With Serie A

From the Laudrup brothers to Christian Eriksen and Simon Kjaer… the Danes have enjoyed a long love affair with Italian football.

“I think the reason why the danish players adapt so well in Italy is the Danish mentality. For us I think it’s not easy, but it’s normal to go to one country and to be ourselves, to have our values, to work hard, to train hard and that’s why I think players also in the past and also in the future will have big success in Italy because of the mentality we have.”

Watch the Full Interview With Morten Hjulmand

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Sampdoria Serie A

Koray Gunter Discusses Sampdoria Transfer & Avoiding the Drop to Serie B

Koray Gunter - Sampdoria - Serie A - TLN
Koray Gunter - Sampdoria - Serie A - TLN

Sampdoria defender Koray Gunter sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 23 to speak about his January Transfer Window move, helping the Blucerchiati remain in Serie A, and his belief in fan support.

January Transfer Window Move

On the final day of the winter transfer window, the German-born centre-back of Turkish origin joined Sampdoria on loan. It’s a return to the city where his Italian journey began – at Genoa in 2018.

“I already knew this wonderful city and the area. I’ve always liked it here. Genoa was my first city in Italy. I had no doubts about coming back here, even though Samp are the city rivals of my ex-team. However, as a footballer, I don’t have a problem with that. I’ll give everything I have for this shirt and this club. There’s no doubt about that.”

Surviving the Drop to Serie B

The Blucerchiati are second from the bottom with only 10 points. The situation is verging on desperate. But this new arrival believes Samp can pull off a miracle and avoid the drop.

“Looking at the performances, since the league resumed, they’ve been good. That’s what we need. Now we need to be consistent and get points on the board as soon as we can, building bit by bit. Sooner or later the results will come. I really believe that, as does the rest of the team. I’m convinced that this team doesn’t deserve to be where it is. We have to get ourselves out of this by giving everything and all pulling together. The results will come, we believe that.”

Call for Fan Support

Every match is now crucial for Dejan Stankovic’s men – Gunter is calling on the fans’ help to supercharge the team.

“It’s a really tough moment. We have to fight. We’re counting on our fans. I know what the fans are like here. They’re incredible. They’re very loud, as they often are in Italy. I’m counting on them. I hope they can help us, especially during this tough period. Hopefully, we’ll be able to look back and say we did it.”

Watch the Full Interview With Koray Gunter

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Press Releases

A Special Tribute to Giovanni ‘John’ Arena

A Special Tribute to John Arena
A Special Tribute to John Arena

Born in 1924 in the Italian village of Bellantone Calabria, Giovanni ‘John’ Arena has passed away in Toronto, his home since arriving in 1956.

If only walls could talk… From movie stars to royalty to business titans in the 70s and 80s, Winston’s was the place to be and be seen in North America. Behind this great restaurant was the much-respected John Arena.

Arena, Toronto’s restaurant industry legend who has fed prime ministers, princesses, international celebrities, and even a Pope, ran nine restaurants in his long career. The restaurant he is best known for is the now-closed Winston’s in the Financial District, where he catered to the rich and powerful during his ownership from 1966 to 1990. In 1987, John almost ‘single-handedly’ raised over 10 million dollars for the George Brown College culinary program.

Just months ago, between pandemic shutdowns and reopenings, John visited food and lifestyle celebrity David Rocco in his Toronto home for a rare (and John’s last) extended TV interview as part of the new ‘David Rocco’s Dolce Homemade’ 26-part series which premieres on VIVA Streaming TV starting Feb 18th, and this fall on TLN TV. In this 30-minute special, Arena shares his love of the hospitality business, stories of the incredible parade of powerful and famous guests he hosted, and even cooks with and shares some special dishes with David.

We have lost yet another great Italian Canadian city builder. May John rest in peace with the many other Italo-Canadian men and women who struggled and persevered over the past century to make Toronto the world-class city it became.

A not to be missed special tribute presentation to John Arena – Saturday, February 18th at 8P/et – only on TLN TV.

Catch the entire 26-episode Dolce Homemade Series on TLN TV– Coming This Fall.

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Exclusives Serie A Udinese

Isaac Success Discusses Udinese Contract Extension, Sottil, Pozzo Family & More

Isaac Success - Udinese - Serie A - TLN Exclusive Interview
Isaac Success - Udinese - Serie A - TLN Exclusive Interview

Udinese attacker Isaac Success was exclusively interviewed by TLN TV to discuss his contract renewal at the club, his relationship with the Pozzo family, Manager Andrea Sottil, the difference between playing in Spain, England, and Italy, and much more.

Udinese Contract Renewal

The current 27-year-old signed with the Bianconeri in August of 2021. Since then, he has made just under 50 appearances, scoring four goals and providing 14 assists in Serie A.

“I think I’ve had difficult seasons when I was in Watford and I think Udinese gave me the chance to start playing again and enjoy football again. And it’s a family that I’ve known really well, I’ve been with for years and for them giving me the opportunity to renew and also I’m loving it in Italy as well and I know I can improve more by renewing one more short year so I can spend more time and keep enjoying the game.”

Relationship With Pozzo Family

After being scouted by the Pozzo Family, Success has played for all three clubs that they have had ownership in – Granada, Watford, and Udinese – a bond that is impossible to break.

“They’ve really done a lot. They really have been in my career. They want to see me a part of the family every single year. And this is something that is kind of a pledge from the beginning. Since I met them during the Under 17 World Cup in Dubai. And, yeah, that was my first approach. And since then, I’ve been loving it. And of course, it’s been ups and downs since I started with them, but they are still believing in me, believing there’s a lot more to offer, and that gives me a lot of confidence to keep working with them.”

Manager Andrea Sottil

49-year-old Sottil was appointed Manager of Udinese in June of 2022 following a spell in charge of Ascoli in Serie B. So far so good in the Italian’s first spell in the top flight, exceeding expectations – and Success is a big fan.

“I think he makes it clear during the preparations before each game what he really wants and I understand it really well because when the manager passes this information clearly to the boys, it’s left for the boys to participate and do exactly what he says. He’s had so much confidence in me and when your manager has so much confidence in you, you have no excuse for improving. So I’ve been pushing myself to my limits just to fit in the team properly.”

Difference Between Premier League, La Liga & Serie A

Success has spent time playing in three of Europe’s top five leagues. Starting in La Liga with Granada, he then transferred to the Premier League when he joined Watford, followed by Serie A with Udinese.

“I think when I played in Spain it was a bit more technical and England was a little bit more intense physically. And I think before I left Spain to England, I have those two things in me already, the physical part and the technical part as well. So it was a bit easy for me to work with a couple of managers that I met there. But here in Italy, now I’m enjoying it because it’s all-round football, physically, aggressively, tactically as well, and I’m adapting to it because it’s something I think I have. And playing in a league like this is bringing up a lot of potential in me.”

Full Interview With Isaac Success