The new goalkeeper of Juventus introduced himself at a press conference at Allianz Stadium: “After talking to Giuntoli, I didn’t think about other teams. Thiago Motta? He asks for personality and to participate in the play.” Two former Juventus number ones mentioned by Di Gregorio: “Maybe in terms of structure I remember a bit of Peruzzi. And as a child, my idols were Buffon and Handanovic.” And on personal goals: “The National team and leaving a mark at Juve.”
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In early July, medical visits, contract signing, and the official announcement of Juventus. The adventure in black and white for Michele Di Gregorio, the new goalkeeper who presented himself at the press conference held at Allianz Stadium, has already begun a few weeks ago. The former Monza goalkeeper immediately expressed his gratitude to his last team: “I wanted to thank the whole Monza club and take this opportunity to wish Dr. Galliani well. Here, the feelings are those of the first day: everything is truly beautiful. Then I had the opportunity to try and see the facilities and it’s all truly wonderful.” Di Gregorio recounted how the negotiation that brought him to Turin went: “Since the league ended, I spoke with director Giuntoli and didn’t think about any other situation. I gave my word and I kept it.” On his journey and career: “I believe I have made a journey from the bottom. Playing, making mistakes, and working on those mistakes helped me. Work and consistency have brought me here today.”
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Juventus-Di Gregorio, it’s official
“National Team goal and leaving a mark at Juve”
A present in black and white, a club with a historic tradition between the posts: “I would like to leave something like the other great goalkeepers of Juventus have done. Maybe in terms of structure I remember a bit of Peruzzi. National Team? The goal is to give my best and achieve personal satisfaction. Certainly, the National Team is a goal, as is leaving a mark at Juve. I know I’m in the right place.” On the tactical requests of Thiago Motta: “Certainly the coach doesn’t ask us for strange things, but only to participate in the play and have personality. We all want to be useful and do what the coach wants.” On his idea of football: “Football has changed, we are much more involved and I like it. One must reach this with hard work; it’s not simple compared to the past to play from the back and be technically good. With effort, I believe this job can be done. The relationship with the other goalkeepers is nice. We knew each other even before; we’re working well. Starting position? I came here to give my all, it’s a huge opportunity, and I will give everything to be at the coach’s disposal.” Di Gregorio will take Szczesny’s place: “When you come here you know there will be pressures, but that’s the beautiful thing about sport. This pushes me to improve.”
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Juve, the arrival of Douglas Luiz in Turin. PHOTO
“Buffon my idol, this jersey is heavy”
Di Gregorio revealed who his childhood idols were: “Buffon and Handanovic above all. Did Gigi give me any advice? We haven’t spoken, but I appreciate his words and it makes me proud.” On the comparison with the best goalkeepers in the world: “The proof of the pudding is on the pitch. I am working at my best to be ready, and then we will take stock. How heavy is the Juventus jersey? It certainly is, because there is a history and there is ambition. It’s right that there is all of this and it’s right to feel the pressure to push ourselves to the maximum and do our best.” Important words about the new group: “Maybe I’ve never found a group like this from day one, a strong group with an important mentality. Germany helped us at a group level, to be together on and off the pitch.” Finally, the new goalkeeper was asked if the team’s goals had been shared: “No, we haven’t talked about it, but we all know we want to do our best for ourselves and for the group. Only this way can we achieve satisfaction.”
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Juve, unveiled the away jersey… out of this world!