Lazio player Mattia Zaccagni has expressed his profound affection for the club and the city of Rome. In a recent interview for the `Champions of Made in Italy` project, he stated, “I have grown fond of Lazio, as well as the city. Playing for Lazio is different, special; it makes you a fan of this history and this shirt. And I don`t intend to move from here.”
Zaccagni also commented on the positive impact of coach Marco Baroni: “Baroni`s arrival has had a pleasant impact. He has never failed in preparing for a match and has always given us calm and serenity.”
Discussing the intense atmosphere surrounding the Rome derby, Zaccagni noted, “It seems like what a player does in one game can change the mood of a whole city. Just think, people start stopping me a month beforehand.” He added, “When you arrive at the training ground, you can tell if a derby is approaching; there`s a tension, a different, quite heavy atmosphere. The match is deeply felt, and so we feel it too.”
Finally, he reflected on his time with the Italian national team, particularly recalling his memorable goal at the Euros: “I will never forget it, an immense joy, something unique. So many images flashed through my mind; it`s indescribable. We wouldn`t have gone through if I hadn`t scored. An unrepeatable, magical, special moment.” He concluded by saying, “Knowing that you gave joy to the whole of Italy is something you carry within you forever.”