The Bianconeri full-back: “It makes us proud to be compared to the defenses of Barcelona or Real, who conceded a goal like us, but our priority is to continue to do well”
Every now and then Manuel Alagna thanks his old life: “At 13 I divided my time between football and athletics, distance running and middle distance.” Up and down, like on the pitch: “I had fun with the 1000 and 1500 metres. I took part in the Italian championships and some cross-country races, I liked it, but at a certain point I had to choose”. And he tacked on the ball. Today he is the starting right back for Ascoli in Serie C, the least beaten defense in Italy: only one goal conceded amid six wins, two draws and a third place in the championship. Alagna, 23 years old, born and raised in Fiumicino, has always played from the 1st minute without missing a single minute.
Manuel, do you want to win every match? He smiles.
“Let’s work with our heads down, then we’ll see”.
What is the secret of this Ascoli?
“A healthy group. A prepared coach. A club that provides us with everything we need.”
Does the thought of a return to Serie B ever cross your mind?
“Woe to think about it. It’s clear that it would be a dream, but our priority is to work with our heads down and stay humble.”
Did the goal conceded against Bra make you gnaw a little?
“We don’t look at the record or the ‘zero goals conceded’ box. It’s clear that it makes us proud to be compared to the defenses of Barcelona or Real Madrid, who have conceded a goal like us, but our priority is to continue to do well. For us, for the club and for the fans.”
Is there any bet going on between defenders?
“None. We just want to have the ball and keep our guard up. Our goalkeepers will like to suffer as few shots as possible.”
On 26 and 29 October it will be derby time. It had been 40 years since Ascoli had challenged Sambenedettese. Now he will do it twice in three days. Sensations?
“First in the league, then in the Italian Serie C Cup. Incredible. Before returning to Serie C, I played for two years in the Primavera in Ascoli. And there was already talk of this challenge. It will be a beautiful day for the city, for the fans, for us.”
Can we say that Ascoli-Samb is a mini Boca-River? He smiles again.
“At the end of October I will be able to confirm if this is the case…”.
Where did he start playing?
“At Città di Fiumicino, then at 13 I moved to Tor Tre Teste. When I was little I also had trials with Lazio and Roma. The Biancocelesti had taken me on, but for various reasons I didn’t go.”
What has athletics taught you?
“For years I divided myself between football and running. I would go away with my father, come back and immediately start training… with the ball. I found the lessons related to the way of running, as well as the resistance”.
Thanks to anyone who feels like saying it?
“To my parents. They made enormous sacrifices, believe me. Almost every day my father left Fiumicino and arrived in the Tor Tre Teste district, in the eastern area of Rome, near the Raccordo. We’re talking about 80 kilometers between the return journey. He worked in Ponte Galeria, practically on the opposite side from the camp, and I went to school in Bravetta. Very far away. Every now and then he slept in the car while I trained. I hope I’ve repaid all their efforts”.
Have you always played full back?
“No, at the beginning I had fun in midfield. First as a playmaker, then as a midfielder, while during the Ascoli Primavera days I was a central defender and was captain. In two years we have challenged several players who are now in Serie A: Zalewski, Oristanio, Iling, Miretti.”
At that time he scored 5 goals in two seasons.
“Yes, now I’m aiming for the first with Ascoli among the pros. I dedicate every goal to the brother of my best friend, a boy who is no longer with us. He died years ago. We were very close. On YouTube there is still a video of one of my goals with Tor Tre Teste dedicated to him”.
How did the return to Ascoli come about?
“After the Primavera I learned my skills between Fermana and Lucchese, always in C. Three tough and stimulating years. Two summers ago I was a free agent, I was training at EUR and I was waiting for a call. At the end of training my agent told me that we would sign with Ascoli. ‘But really?’, I told him. I couldn’t believe it, a special emotion. The closing of a circle. After two seasons in the Primavera, I couldn’t wait to come back. Now I’m a Juventus fan.”
A foil in case of promotion? Maybe dyed hair…
“I’m already a mix: half blonde and half brown.” Superstition.
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