Pinamonti: Icardi took me in when I had no place to live, and Lukaku would give me advice after training

Sassuolo forward Pinamonti was interviewed and talked about the joy of becoming a father, his goals in Sassuolo this season, his views on the growing environment for young players, and shared what he learned from Icardi, Lukaku and Skriniar during his time at Inter Milan.

Talk about you becoming a father

It is so wonderful and the greatest joy in my life. You can't understand how it feels until you experience it. I've been a father for just over two weeks and now everything revolves around him and I feel a huge sense of responsibility. You're a little overwhelmed at first. Like scoring in the Champions League final? No, nothing could compare to that emotion.

What if he also wants to be a football player when he grows up?

I will let him make his own choices, just like my parents did to me. I hope he can participate in sports, any sport, because sports can bring you a healthy lifestyle. And... no, I don't dream of him becoming a player. If it happens, that's great, otherwise it's equally great.

Back on the court. What kind of season has it been for you?

This is an important season. We fight all year round and it’s a tough league. Teams like Sassuolo that are promoted from Serie B may encounter more difficulties, but I also believe that this team is ready and motivated to meet this difficult challenge.

Sassuolo has invested a lot in the transfer market. Although they are promoted, but only on paper...

Of course, the club has assembled an excellent team composed of very good players. But we have to get into the character and understand that at some point we need to suffer in order to achieve the ultimate goal.

Is the ultimate goal to avoid relegation, or is there a higher pursuit?

First of all, our goal is to avoid relegation. Then, once relegation is achieved, we can look at the table and think about what we might be able to pursue. But in my mind and that of the whole team, the goal is to stay in Serie A.

Sassuolo started a little slow, but then the rhythm changed. How do you explain this?

We need to find the right chemical reaction. There are many new players in the team and it takes time to adjust, understand the requirements of the coaching staff and work in the same direction. This is normal. We've had a change of pace recently, and I think everyone has seen that.

Was the victory in Verona a turning point?

For me, yes, because I never won on that court. It was our first win away from home and against a direct competitor: these points are very important.

How do you get along with coach Grosso?

I was also with him during the pre-season training last year (when I was at Frosinone). We talked a lot this summer, he explained to me what he wanted from me, I felt his trust and we worked well together. The head coach communicates frequently with the players, which is a very important aspect.

Does the three-forward formation make your job easier?

certainly brings a lot of benefits, although this role is not easy for a center to interpret. If teams don't work well together, they run the risk of being overly isolated. We often talk to our coaches about how to keep everyone connected. Berardi and Lauriente and I have known each other for many years and we have a good relationship off the field. We still need to polish some details to get the best out of it.

Is having Matic a big advantage?

Yes, he is a huge added value. This is true both on a technical level and in the dressing room. He is a guide for young players and has a strong voice within the team.

It seems likely that you will leave Sassuolo in the summer window. Did you stay with a happy and determined heart?

Yes, I never said I wanted to leave. Transfer rumors are not my idea. I have been training hard from the beginning to prepare for the new season.

You have scored a lot of goals in Serie A. What do you think you need to do to get called up by the national team?

I don't know. If I look back, I'm satisfied that reaching certain numbers at the age of 26 was not something I could take for granted. But I know I still need to continue to grow. I had to do more to fulfill some wishes and breathe a sigh of relief.

Are Italian players a bit underrated?

I don't know. Abroad, they will continue to give young people opportunities without the media hype and exaggeration we have here. I know this firsthand. I made my debut for Inter Milan at a very young age, and after only fifteen minutes, it seemed to the outside world that I should have scored fifty goals. We must give young people time to make mistakes and grow. Some extreme comments, especially after the emergence of social media, are really intolerable.

Speaking of Inter Milan, let’s talk about your mentors. First place: Icardi.

He has done a lot for me. Both on and off the field. I left the youth team dormitory when I was 18 and was looking for a house. Icardi took me in and because I didn’t have a driver’s license, he drove me to training. He was a kind-hearted and extremely generous man.

What about Lukaku?

We were teammates the year we won the league. Another very nice guy. He would stay after training to give me advice. I always asked him various questions and he made me grow a lot.

What about Conte?

Working with him for one year was crucial to my career.

You also have a good relationship with Skriniar.

I went to his wedding in Slovakia and we still keep in touch. What did he teach me? Being beaten...

For you, has this chapter of Inter Milan been over?

It doesn’t make much sense to talk about the future. They signed me when I was fourteen and brought me to Serie A. I have a huge debt of gratitude to Inter Milan.

If Italy can qualify for the World Cup, is that one of your goals?

I don’t know how to classify it, whether to call it a goal or a dream. It is impossible for a football player not to think about his national team. So I will work hard for this until the end.

Mini-game recommendations:Sky Balls 3D