Bruno Conti: “Cobolli preferred tennis to Roma at 13. Now I’m rooting for him”

The bond between Flavio Cobolli and Bruno Conti has always been deep, fervent. And also sincere, made of true affection, which goes beyond any interest. On Wednesday Marazico celebrated the semi-final of “Cobbo” from Nettuno, from his home. Looking forward to seeing him play today. “There will be an all-Italian semi-final in an important tournament like Roland Garros and this already makes me happy in itself – he says –. But you will forgive me, I am rooting for Flavio with all my being.”

You met Cobolli as a child, when he was in Roma’s youth sector.

“I will never forget when his family and I found ourselves at the moment of decision, whether to continue with football or insist only on tennis. Obviously a decision that they made and which was then communicated to me. And which, given the current results, was also the rightest ever.”

Flavio was also good with the ball at his feet.

“Very much. He was a versatile player, he played as a winger but also as a midfielder. He was technically gifted, he focused on the man. Zibì Boniek reported this to me directly, with a phone call in 2015. When they then communicated the decision to me, I accepted it with serenity and with my heart in my hand”.

Have you been in touch in the last few days?

“With Flavietto (that’s what he calls him, ed.) we are always in contact. And as soon as he returns from Paris we will see each other, I hope also to be able to celebrate something important. I am happy for him. And I know that Edoardo is too, another boy to whom I am very close”.

You’re referring to Bove, I guess?

“Of course. You all know how close he and Cobolli are. Theirs is a beautiful relationship, a visceral, profound one.”

How will Cobolli’s Roland Garros end?

“I hope with all my heart that he can win the tournament. Panatta is right, Flavio has all the characteristics to become a great in world tennis.”