Italy U17, Cudrig to CM: 'Yes, we can win the World Cup. Esposito? Here's what he told me '| First page

Clenched fists and a big smile with 32 teeth per Nicolò Cudrig, which on Monday marked one of the five goals with which the Italy Under 17 won at its World Cup debut against the Solomon Islands. A blue parenthesis in a present at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for the attacker, who returned to Monaco in the summer after a loan to Cerle Brugge in Belgium and a past with Udinese. Stop, rewind. We rewind the tape. A few days after his debut in a World Championship, the 2002 class was exclusively told Calciomercato.com.First game and first win.
"The important thing was to go ahead immediately, then in the long run we knew we were stronger and it was easy to find the spaces".

What emotion are you trying to score with the blue shirt?
"It's a special thing, you can't explain. Especially if the goal comes in a competition like the World Cup".

For a moment the referee was talking to the Var, were you afraid they would cancel you?
"In these situations, there is always a little tension, but thinking back to the action, it didn't seem like anything irregular".

What is the best message you received after the goal?
"My parents told me they are proud of me, and this is the thing I'm most proud of."

Did you celebrate Monday's victory?
"We pulled the plug for a few hours, but now the head is already projected to the game with Mexico, fundamental for the qualification".

How do you relax during leisure time?
"Fifa takes tournaments at Play. The strongest is Captain Panada, I always take Barcelona where Dembele is very fast".

What game do you expect against Mexico on Friday?
"It is a solid team, strong in defense and very decisive in the interventions. It will be a tough race on a physical level".

For the next goal, did you study any particular exultation?
"Actually I'm thinking about it, because both a friend of mine and my girlfriend have asked me for a dedication. It is hard to choose, I will have to do a brace to not upset anyone."

Where can Italy go in this World Cup?
"All the way through. We believe in it. The important thing is to think game by game."

Which is the strongest national team?
"France. Immediately after I put Brazil".

The strength of the national team?
"The group. It has always been our main feature since we know each other, we are all united."

Did you hear the great excluded Esposito?
"He sent us a message in the Whatsapp chat where we all are. He asked us to give our best for him who will support us from the outside, his words help us and give us even more strength because Sebastiano has always been a leader."

Arlotti is also in the squad, your partner also at Monaco. What relationship do you have?
"We are like brothers, we share every moment together and even in the field we have a fantastic harmony".

The coach Nunziata what kind of coach is he?
"A great coach. He always manages to bring out the best in us, I thank him because when it happens that we are about to relax he intervenes. He doesn't want us to be satisfied. Against the Solomon Islands we won 5-0 but he wasn't entirely satisfied , he encouraged us by saying that we could make more ".

Who is your Idol?
"Francesco Totti. I met him once when I was 11 and I played in Udinese. I was at the stadium and I placed myself near where the players pass, when I saw him my father immediately took a picture of me with him "Half a move came, but it was a great thrill."

How is the adventure going at Monaco?
"Very well, I scored 4 goals with the Under 19 and we are fifth at -2 from the first. I am happy with the choice I made, even if at first it was hard to adapt to a new life".

How's your tongue?
"The French caisco but I still find it hard to speak it, I am taking lessons to speed up learning".

What is the thing you miss most about Italy?
"Home. My family, my girlfriend and my friends".

@francGuerrieri