Ciro Immobile opened up about his relationship with Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, the work of the Italy Under-20 squad and his pre-match rituals.
The 33-year-old Biancocelesti captain has been called up for Italy’s upcoming Nations League commitments, facing Spain in the semi-finals before possibly playing the winner of the Netherlands-Croatia in the final.
Immobile’s last appearance for the Azzurri came in their disastrous World Cup play-off defeat to North Macedonia in March of last year. He’ll be hoping for a modicum of redemption in the Nations League final four stage.
Speaking to the Azzurri’s media department (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Immobile first discussed what he eats before a match.
Plain pasta and chicken, the important thing is the snack for us. It’s the pre-match meal. There are some who eat toast, others just rice. Usually, we always eat three hours before the game.
He touched on his hobbies outside of football.
I like cars like Lorenzo (Pellegrini, ed). I like being with family and friends. We like them. Growing older and with the children growing up, we’re giving up PlayStation bit.
The 33-year-old commented on Italy U-20’s defeat to Uruguay in the U-20 World Cup final.
I was disappointed. They did not play like they did during the rest of the World Cup, they were perhaps too tense. They had a great run, but finals are like that. They deserved something more.
Immobile spoke about how he maintains a friendship with Pellegrini despite them being the captains of Lazio and Roma respectively.
We are the captains of the two teams, and everything depends on us. There is rivalry and respect. Everyone fights to bring home the result.
When we’re here at Coverciano we talk about everything except Lazio and Roma. Those two times a year are enough for us.
At the end of the games, we embrace each other as it went. As captains we have to set an example of the values of sport.
Finally, Immobile discussed what he likes about Pellegrini.
We often talk about it. It’s as if we complement each other. He has great vision and always knows where to put the ball.
This for a striker is top because you know that the ball comes to you at the right time. With players like that it’s easier to find yourself in front of goal.
