Despite his humble nature and understated presence on social media, Fabio Chiarodia has moved on from elaborate pre-match rituals, opting instead to simply lace up his left boot before the right. For Chiarodia, every game carries equal weight, and he approaches each with meticulous preparation, all while ensuring pasta remains a staple in his diet.
Speaking fluent Italian, a testament to his roots, the defender reflects on his recent experiences with the under-21 squad and shares insights about his club commitments.
You were born and raised in Germany to an Italian family. How did you end up representing Italy at the youth level?
“At the age of 14, I was with the youth team at Werder Bremen when an Italian scout approached my parents. He invited me to play for the Italian under-15 team, and I couldn’t say no – it was a dream come true to represent Italy.”
What connections do you have with Italy?
“I used to return every summer for holidays, but it was my father who instilled in me a passion for the Azzurri. He hails from Veneto and often speaks dialect, whereas I converse in Italian with my mother, who is from Friuli.”
Do you support any clubs in Italy?
“My father’s love for Juventus and the national team has definitely been passed down to me.”
During the Italy-Germany matches you’ve watched, whom did you support?
“I’ve always been an Italy fan, cheering for them without fail.”
When it comes to defenders, do you find more inspiration in Giorgio Chiellini or Mats Hummels?
“Chiellini, obviously! (laughs). I’ve met him, and he was incredible. We’re both left-footed, but I might resemble Bonucci more in terms of style, as I enjoy initiating plays. However, Chiellini’s years at Juve and the national team make him a top player, and I draw a lot of inspiration from him.”
Are you thinking of following in his footsteps at Juve?
“(Laughs) That remains to be seen. It’s important to make the right career decisions for myself. It’s too early to ponder that yet.”
This marks your third season in the Bundesliga. Last season, you scored your first professional goal, similar to Chiellini, from a corner…
“Indeed, it was just five minutes in, if I recall correctly. It was a crucial 1-0 goal, which made it an unforgettable moment, especially since my entire family was in the stadium. What a joy!”
As a defender, do you prefer to anticipate plays or make significant tackles?
“Anticipation often helps the team launch counterattacks, but a big tackle definitely brings an adrenaline rush. It feels almost like scoring a goal.”
This Saturday, your Borussia Monchengladbach faces a vital home match against Wolfsburg in the relegation battle…
“With four games remaining, we aim to win all of them, regardless of the opponent. However, this fixture is particularly significant for us—it feels like our first little final.”
Have you analysed your rivals yet?
“I always do, no matter how strong they are. They’ll have some key players, particularly (Christian) Eriksen, who is incredibly talented and showcased his skills at Inter.”
This season, you faced a serious injury that sidelined you for nearly four months. How did you cope during that time?
“It was definitely a learning experience. I focused on working independently with both a fitness trainer and a mental coach. Paradoxically, it turned out to be a positive experience, as I learned a lot during this time. It was my first injury, so I experienced life without football for the first time. However, I used that time to strengthen myself, gaining around five to six kilograms of muscle in the gym.”
At Gladbach, assistant coach Oliver Neuville, a World Cup finalist in 2002, works with you. What is he like?
“We have a fantastic relationship, and we communicate in Italian. He grew up in Switzerland, so he speaks multiple languages, including Italian. Although his specialty is working with forwards, we share a close bond.”
How do you prepare for a crucial match like the upcoming one against Wolfsburg?
“Honestly, I approach it like any other match in terms of preparation. However, it’s undoubtedly significant for our objectives – almost like a final. With top players like Eriksen in their ranks, that gives me all the more motivation to perform well.”
Who has been your toughest opponent to mark thus far?
“Harry Kane has been the most challenging. Not only is he extremely technical, but he’s also physically dominant – he stands out among center-forwards. I try to study every forward I face before each game, but it’s a great experience playing against him.”
What’s the atmosphere like in the under-21 team?
“We’re a fantastic group with a diverse mix. We often joke around, especially with Filippo Mane from Dortmund. I sometimes tease him about becoming too German in his behaviour (laughs).”
Apart from him, you also have Samuele Inacio and Luca Reggiani at Dortmund. Do you catch up often?
“Not really, despite being only 100 km apart. In my free time, I prefer hanging out with friends. But I’m looking forward to competing against them next week. It should be great fun.”
Francesco Baldini is set to take over the senior national team in June on an interim basis. There are murmurs about potential call-ups for several under-21 players…
“I have no information about that right now. It goes without saying that making it to the senior national team would be a dream come true. Every Italian kid aspires to wear that jersey, and it would be a tremendous honour.”
However, those matches will be friendlies, meaning you could still receive a call-up from Germany in the meantime…
“My heart is set on representing Italy. That’s been clear to me from the start.”
The under-21 squad appears to have a strong, cohesive, and multicultural dynamic…
“Absolutely! We all communicate in Italian, even those who struggled with it just a couple of years ago. We’re genuinely thriving as a team.
Is Baldini a father figure to you all?
“He has a wealth of experience and keeps an eye on the players as well as the support staff. When I was injured, he reached out to me multiple times to check on my progress.”
Is it true you avoid using mobile phones around him?
“That’s correct. When we’re all together, such as during meals, they’re off-limits. Honestly, it’s better that way; it promotes group bonding and helps us get to know one another.”
Your online presence is pretty minimal. Your Instagram account has just a few posts.
“Social media doesn’t concern me much. After a poor performance, I’ve seen players receive criticism after posting online.”
Do you think your peer Francesco Camarda has faced too much pressure?
“I haven’t experienced that level of attention, perhaps because I’m not a striker. But Francesco is young and already has many Serie A appearances. He’s definitely on the right path, and he will only become more valuable over time.”
How did you feel when Italy was eliminated from the World Cup?
“I was at a training camp with the under-21s, and the disappointment was palpable. It’s heartbreaking to miss a third consecutive World Cup, but now our focus should be on the European Championship.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 European Championship for the under-21s, does that feel close?
“We still need to qualify (laughs). I’m not superstitious, but it’s crucial that we achieve mathematical qualification first.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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