Mauro Esposito, Cagliari’s No 7, seems to have learned a lot from his idols Diego Armando Maradona and Roberto Baggio. The small lad from Torre del Greco, a tiny town just outside of Napoli rarely missed a game when the magical Argentine was gracing the San Paolo Stadium. It was there he began to dream about becoming a footballer.
Esposito was born as a second striker but he delivers his best as a right winger - a role that former Cagliari trainer Nedo Sonetti suggested he try out after noticing the ease with which the boy took on defenders. Last year he gave an extraordinary contribution to Cagliari’s promotion, scoring 17 times in 40 games.
This year, his first in Serie A as a starter, he has already bagged 13. His impressive form caught Marcello Lippi’s attention and it wasn’t long before Esposito received a deserved call-up to the Nazionale in the 1-0 defeat to Slovenia last October. A poor performance from the whole team didn’t do Esposito justice. However, given another chance against Belarus and then in the friendly with Russia in February, Esposito showed his true value, terrorising the Russian’s down the right and setting-up Alberto Gilardino’s goal with a delightful lob.
Until the start of this season Juve’s Mauro Camoranesi owned the right flank role but now has some fierce competition. Esposito has the same level of skill but a much better goal-per-game ratio. Averaging a goal every other game, can Lippi afford to leave out Esposito?
Mauro, as a kid you used to follow Maradona’s career closely
Yes, I used to go and see Napoli, with my father every home game and I was just spellbound by what I was seeing. In my whole life I have never seen a player with the magic of Maradona. The only one that could come close to him was Roberto Baggio who, unfortunately for me, retired last season. I was dreaming of playing against him.
Who do you admire of those still playing today?
I would say Francesco Totti. He does things so naturally. I had the luck to know him when we practised together in preparation for Italy-Russia and he really impressed me.
What are the main differences between Serie B and A? Given your scoring record it doesn’t seem to big a difference.
I have managed to score a lot this season, but Serie A is a lot more demanding for the mind and the body. In Serie B, however, there is a lot of intensity and that’s why a player with a good career in Italy’s Second Division can adapt to Serie A.
Have you always played wide on the right?
No, that’s a role that Nedo Sonetti, who coached Cagliari’s 2001-02, had me play. I didn’t like it at first but now I really have to thank him. Since the change I have been able to become an assist-man as well as a scorer.
Who was the first person that had faith in you as a player?
Pierpaolo Marino. He helped me join Pescara when I was just 18 and has always believed in me. Right now he is my agent.
Name a youth team trainer who you remember fondly.
Virtus Somma’s trainer - Aldo De Stefano. I was six-years-old at the time, but he did a lot for me, making me work on the basics and helping me to grow as a player and a young man.
Coming from Naples, were you a street-player as well?
Street-football is everywhere in Naples. To have recognition you have to prove you are the best on the concrete as well as on the grass. I used to play all day, at practise with my team and on the streets with my friends. It helps you in one-on-one situations and also teaches you that the only way to go past a defender is not by diving or hoping for a foul as there’s no referee, but by leaving the defender on the spot.
When did you realise you could become a professional?
At 17 when I joined Pescara in Serie B.
How did it feel when you pulled on the Italy jersey for the first time?
Look at it this way. In this my first full Serie A season I have also managed to get a call-up to the national team. To me the Azzurri jersey has something magical about it. It was incredible and I just hope that I get the chance to be part of the Nazionale in the future. We are a strong group and Lippi has created a good atmosphere. Of course the road to Germany 2006 is long but we have the qualities to do well in both the qualification and the tournament.
Who, in your opinion, is the best goalkeeper around?
Gigi Buffon is the best in the world. Then I would say Gianluca Pagliuca has had an incredible season so far.
Which has been your best goal so far this season?
The one that I scored past Pagliuca on the first day of the season closely followed by the one in February against Atalanta.
Did know you were voted Calcio Italia Player of the Month for February alongside Alberto Gilardino and Cristiano Lucarelli?
Have I really? Well, thanks for the appreciation. I hope that I will be able to bag some more goals and be back on your pages soon.
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