From Cesena to Lazio: Mattia Zaccagni’s Rise
Mattia Zaccagni, the Cesena-born winger, is currently enjoying one of his most successful seasons in Serie A, having already scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 30 appearances for Lazio. His performances have not only uplifted his club but have also solidified his position as a key player for the Italian national team. Zaccagni was one of the few bright spots for the Azzurri during their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, with his late stunner against Croatia preventing an early elimination for Italy. This goal not only saved the team’s dignity but also set Zaccagni on the path to becoming a potential cornerstone of the Italian national team.
The Influence of a Childhood Idol
Zaccagni’s success can be partly attributed to the influence of his childhood idol, Alessandro Del Piero, the legendary Juventus striker. In a recent interview with TLN TV (via The Laziali), Zaccagni revealed that Del Piero has been a constant source of inspiration throughout his career. "Yes, Alessandro Del Piero has always been my idol from when I was little. I always studied his shot, his goals, and performances," Zaccagni said. The Biancocelesti captain’s admiration for Del Piero is evident in his approach to the game, where he continuously seeks to improve by emulating the techniques and strategies of his hero.
A Special Bond with Pinturicchio
Zaccagni’s bond with his mentor, Alessandro Pinturicchio, is another factor contributing to his success. Pinturicchio, known for his guidance and support, has played a crucial role in Zaccagni’s development. "Alex messaged me after the game against Monza," Zaccagni shared, referring to Lazio’s recent 5-1 victory over Monza, where he played a pivotal role. "We have spoken often, also after the goal I scored at Euro 2024, so we have a good relationship." This ongoing communication and support from Pinturicchio have helped Zaccagni maintain his focus and continue to perform at a high level.
Adapting Under New Management
Zaccagni’s fourth season at Lazio has seen the team go through a significant change with the appointment of Marco Baroni as the new head coach. Replacing caretaker Igor Tudor after Maurizio Sarri’s resignation, Baroni has brought a fresh perspective to the club. Zaccagni highlighted the importance of the mental aspects in modern football, noting how Baroni’s approach has helped the team and individuals strengthen their mentality. "In today’s football, you work a lot on the mental aspects […] and the coach works a lot on this. [He also works] on all the technical aspects on the pitch, but he is really good at working on our mentality," Zaccagni explained. This holistic approach to coaching has been instrumental in Lazio’s recent successes.
Lazio’s Ambitious Goals
Lazio is currently fourth in the Serie A league table, putting them in a strong position to secure a spot in the Champions League next season. The team’s performances have been commendable, and Zaccagni’s contributions have been crucial. Beyond the league, Lazio has also qualified for the Europa League Round of 16 and is set to face Inter in the Coppa Italia Quarter Finals. These achievements underscore the club’s ambition and the potential for further success in both domestic and European competitions.
Looking Forward to the Future
As Zaccagni continues to rise, his focus remains on helping Lazio achieve its goals and establishing himself as a key player in the Italian national team. His dedication, combined with the support from his idol and mentor, and the guidance of his coach, paints a promising picture for his future. Zaccagni’s journey from Cesena to becoming a standout player in Serie A is a testament to his hard work and the lasting impact of his childhood idol, Alessandro Del Piero. With the continued support and the right mindset, Zaccagni is poised to lead Lazio to new heights and represent Italy with distinction.
