Sofia Cantore spoke following Juventus` victory in the Coppa Italia final. Here are her comments:
Question: Sofia, today we saw another superb performance from you this season. Did you expect to break through in this way this year? And what do you think about those on social media mentioning you as a possible Ballon d`Or candidate?
Cantore: “No, well, as I`ve said many times, I didn`t have expectations. I`m just happy, happy to have helped the team. I think, at a certain point, a player`s journey naturally leads to a breakthrough or at least growth year after year. I don`t believe I played poorly last year; I certainly didn`t have the same effectiveness in terms of assists and goals, but performance-wise, I think I was fine. I was missing that extra piece that I`ve probably added this year, perhaps due to playing a bit closer to the goal or having a more direct style. But I see it as part of a player`s development, a step that most eventually take. As for the Ballon d`Or, honestly, it`s not something I`ve ever truly considered. It`s amusing to read; it makes me smile. But just as I had no specific expectations for this season, I have none for my future or how far I can go. I just play and enjoy myself.”
Question: Boattin mentioned she felt you would win the final because you sang the anthem so passionately. Did you have that same feeling?
Cantore: “Yes, I thought so when the speaker died, Cri`s phone stopped working, and we started singing the anthem a cappella, really loudly. And yes, I did have that feeling. Also, when we hugged during the `Inno di Mameli`, I don`t know, I just had positive sensations. It`s important for me to say that, in my opinion, the game Roma played didn`t reflect their true quality. But of course, we are delighted to have won. They`ve certainly been through a difficult period, but the entire Roma squad has quality players.”
Question: You`ve got two `cakes` this season – the league title and the Coppa Italia. I have to ask, is the `cherry on top` perhaps the national team?
Cantore: “Here too, another small season is essentially starting now; we definitely draw a line under this part today. My focus will now be completely on the national team. As I`ve said many times, with Soncin`s arrival, we`ve felt a breath of fresh air. He`s brought a lightness to the group but also significant determination. We know what we are capable of achieving, and we`ll give our absolute best.”
Question: Can you bring the confidence you`ve demonstrated here at Juventus to the national team?
Cantore: “Certainly, yes. The international level is very high, but the level in our league is also rising, which helps us perform better for the national team too. But the matches are tough, and we will approach this phase just as I mentioned about the season earlier. Thank you.”
Question: You`re wearing a special shirt, Gama`s shirt. Can you tell us what Gama has meant to you over the years?
Cantore: “Well, she has left us with valuable principles, both for life and on the field, that we will carry forward for years. What always amazes me is that you can talk to Sara about absolutely anything; she has such an open mind and a truly 360-degree perspective that just stuns me. In our environment, she introduces so many new ideas and knows an incredible amount. She is genuinely a person of immense substance because of everything she has done.”