Faticanti: “So proud to represent Roma at the World Cup”

We caught up with Giacomo on the phone to tell him that we're proud of them and rooting for them from the opposite side of the Atlantic.

From his tone of voice it was instantly clear that this is no ordinary match and that even born leaders like Faticanti can let the occasion get to them.

“You definitely feel it's a unique, unrepeatable match – it's a World Cup final after all. I feel emotions and a sense of anxiety unlike anything I've experienced before. But it's a positive anxiety and I can't wait to get out there because there's a massive trophy up for grabs. This is the biggest game of my career so far. What I love about this sport is I get to go out on the pitch and enjoy myself, and that's what I'll do tomorrow. Emotionally it's a difficult game but that's precisely what makes it so exceptional.”

Did you think you could make it to the final at the start of the competition?

“We have a great team and we've always been aware of that but I think in a competition like this the first game is the most important. We did really well to beat Brazil and that win gave us even more belief in our ability.”

Belief that wasn't knocked even when you lost to Nigeria.

“Exactly. We realised it was a defeat that could be part of the process. You can afford a slip-up in the group stage but not later. We picked ourselves straight back up and the defeat gave us even more strength to get where we are now.”

Did you expect to be such a key player despite being one of the youngest?

“The coach [Carmine Nunziata] has always shown confidence in me. I sense that and I try to repay him on the pitch, but whether or not I play it's all about the team. Beating Uruguay is all that matters.”

You're here with your Roma team-mate Niccolo Pisilli. Are you helping each other?

“Absolutely. We're in it together and we're sharing every part of this experience. We rewatch and analyse every match together to improve and give each other advice. I'm glad I'm here with him because he's not just a team-mate – he's a friend and Romanista through and through just like me. Having him here in Argentina is like having a piece of Rome with me.”

This is obviously a unique experience for you but as Roma U19 captain, how hard was it for you to miss out on the Serie A finals?

“It was tough, I can't deny it. I suffered with them. I was by my team-mates' side even though I couldn't be on the pitch with them. Right after the match against Fiorentina I sent a message to my team-mates thanking them because they showed how much they wanted to win.

“I posted a photo of us winning the Coppa Italia in the group chat to remind everyone of how much we've achieved. One match doesn't change everything we've done. Being here in Argentina caps off a fantastic season with Roma. We won the Primavera Coppa Italia and I made my senior debut in the Europa League. Winning the U20 World Cup would make it an unforgettable season – the perfect way to wrap up my time at youth level.”

What does it mean for you to represent Roma in the Italian national team jersey?

"It's a source of incredible pride, an honour and I feel a great sense of responsibility. When people here in Argentina ask me which team I play for in Italy and I say Roma, I feel my heart explode with pride. Then, inevitably, we start talking about Paulo Dybala, who is obviously a real idol."

What was your experience of the Europa League final in Budapest?

"The fact I experienced it from a distance meant I suffered slightly less, perhaps, but I remember everything about that night. When Dybala scored we were in the dressing room and coach Nunziata was giving his usual pre-match speech. At the end of the warm-up the score was 1-1 and then we had our match, after which I immediately asked how the final had ended. It was difficult news to deal with, because I was on the pitch with my team-mates celebrating the win over England, but inside I was suffering."

What sort of opposition are you expecting in Uruguay?

"They have shown that they are strong not only technically, but also mentally. In this competition their approach to each game has been spot on, so we will have to be perfect. Each of us will have to give our all, do our respective tasks perfectly, and above all we'll have to play with the right mentality."

You are on the eve of a World Cup final, what is your first thought?

"To be totally honest, I still find it hard to believe. Just yesterday I was talking about it with my girlfriend and I was saying to her: but do you realise that I am about to play in a World Cup final? I hope she, my family and my friends are proud of me and I hope they will be even more proud tomorrow."

The Roma fans are too.

"I know. Niccolo and I know that the Roma fans will cheer for us and that they are always by our side. This is an extra source of pride."

Good luck and Forza Roma.

"Always."