Venezia need three points to return to Serie A: on Friday 1 May, they will face Spezia in a match that could project the club to the top-flight and help Matteo Dagasso achieve his childhood dream. The Pescara-born player who rose through the ranks of Pescara, takes centre stage in the new episode of ‘Generazione Azzurra’, recorded during the most recent camp of the Azzurrini in Tirrenia, which is now online on Vivo Azzurro TV. 

Click HERE to watch the complete interview.

DEBUT AND IDOLS. “I began playing in the Pescara Youth Sector at just four and a half years old. Managing to get to the First Team and gaining promotion to Serie B was amazing. I came off the back of two difficult seasons due to injuries: it a tough period mentally, but I got through it thanks to the help of close friends and my family”. Dagasso was handed his First Team debut by Zamen: “I have to thank him a lot because he gave me the possibility to play, he’s a true master, I will always thank him for the opportunity. Being a midfielder from Pescara, Marco Verratti is someone I’ve always looked up to. My idols were Pirlo and Del Piero, now my favourite player is Modrić”. 

FROM BALDINI TO VENEZIA. From Zeman to Baldini, the step is a small one: “I have a great relationship with him and his staff, the Coach is like a second father”. Dagasso spoke about the intense play-off and final in which he was sent-off: “It was an incredible feeling. We played in front of a full stadium, in front of 22,000 people. All of my friends and family were there too”. Now, Dagasso’s path is pointing towards the north with an additional dream of playing in Serie A: “I fit in right away at Venezia. Even though all of my close friends and family are in Pescara, they still find the time to come and be near me. My family have always let me be quite free without putting pressure on me: players should be able to play and enjoy themselves. The more liberated they are, the better they play”.

THE AZZURRI. With the arrival of Baldini to the Under 21’s, the dream of making a first team debut has also become more achievable: “It’s something I’ve chased for a really long time. I was never in any of the Youth Teams, it was a joyous moment and even better to share it with the Coach”. Dagasso’s objective is to now make his debut with the first team, potentially under the guidance of Baldini (when Italy face Luxembourg and Greece in their friendlies) in June.