“Entering the packed San Paolo last night for the opening ceremony and finding yourself in front of all those people was an emotion that cannot be described. Imagining playing in front of so many people gives even more motivation: unity is strength and so Cava fans and whoever can come… stay close to us! Come to the stadium tomorrow, our dream can continue and together we dream better!”. An appeal made from the heart and conviction that of Giuseppe Ungaro, midfielder of Reggina, born in Taranto and captain of Daniele Arrigoni's National University team.
A number 10 on his back, a number that in football has a very special meaning and brings attention. But he is not afraid and does not back down from responsibility. Maybe that is why Arrigoni wanted him as captain: "It was a choice shared by the team, also because I am someone who makes himself available to the group and wants to share things with others. I am not selfish. And then maybe the fact that I am the oldest also had an influence". Twenty-four years old in May, he studies Sports Science and hopes to graduate in October. In the meantime, he is seeking a football degree at the Universiade with the Italian team. He has not yet metabolized the great emotion of having entered the San Paolo field in Naples and paraded with all the athletes: "It is an endless thrill, I had tears in my eyes. You can't describe what you feel in a moment like that. It is something that will remain forever, to be told endlessly to relatives, friends, whoever. It is one thing to watch it on TV, another to experience it firsthand. And this gives us extra motivation to try to do well. Wearing the blue jersey is a privilege and a source of pride. I really wanted to be at this Universiade and I wouldn't have given it up for anything in the world."
Ungaro can also boast of having scored the first goal for the Azzurrini at the Universiade: against Mexico in the second half he resisted a Mexican defender and slipped the ball past the outgoing goalkeeper Robles Paez. Another moment to frame: “I didn’t realize the ball had gone in. I understood it from the cheers of my teammates. I didn’t like the first half, in the second I was able to play more calmly. I was also happy because my family was in the stands. My parents made so many sacrifices for me. And then the whole team wanted to dedicate the victory to our assistant Corino. It’s not an easy moment for him and, despite this, he’s here with us and this gives us extra energy”.
Tomorrow there is Ukraine. “We are calm. We respect everyone but we are also aware that with the heart, as well as with the head, you can do well”. Appointment tomorrow, therefore, at 18 pm in Cava de' Tirreni. “We are waiting for you. And Forza Italia”
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