Exclusive Interview: Michele Padovano on Italy Fears and Personal Redemption

335 professional matches, 91 goals scored. Former Italy striker Michele Padovano was the rock of every Juventus fan during the glorious years of Lippi at the helm of Juventus. Every Juventus fan knew that when Padovano came on during a match, he would make his mark. Always and without fail.

Q: Italy is in danger of not qualifying for the World Cup for the third time in a row. How come that we miss two World Cup editions?

MP: I don’t want to look back and blaming what it didn’t work. Right now, we need to stand by everyone.

From the staff to the coach to the management to the players, because there is a great need for this team to respond “present”.

In just over a month, we have the playoffs, and our opponents are beatable.

So, the players need to be aware of their strength and manage to give us this blessed qualification.

I don’t want to think about a third defeat. I’m rooting for Italy because I think it’s right that Italy goes to the World Cup, so let’s all unite.

Q: Game Time. Build your ideal lineup by choosing only from former club or Italy national teammates. The only limitation is that you can only include a maximum of five Juve players, because otherwise I’m afraid you’ll end up with a lineup consisting solely of Bianconeri players from the Lippi era.

MP: Exactly [he laughs]. Fine, so, I’ll set up a 4-3-3:

Goalkeeper: Angelo Peruzzi
Defense: Ciro Ferrara, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Paolo Maldini
Midfield: Vladimir Jugović, Andrea Pirlo, Edgar Davids
Attack: Zinedine Zidane, Careca, Gianluca Vialli

Let’s consider Ciro Ferrara taken from the Italian National Team so I can hide the fact I selected six Juventus former teammates.

Q: Three years ago today, you were awaiting the final verdict from the italian justice, which would put an end to a 17-year nightmare. If you stop for a moment, looking back and then looking ahead, is there something you feel you have won today, even more than a game or a trophy?

MP: Demonstrate my innocence was absolutely the greatest victory of my life, incomparable to football victories, because the freedom that my family and I finally tasted is a unique feeling.

Freedom that continues to be present in us every day. It was one of the most satisfying moments, if not the most satisfying moment of my life.

Now let’s try to enjoy the present, because I’ve learned the hard way that you never know what the future will bring.

The past is gone, so I enjoy the present, which is a great present.

Michele Padovano talked to us about today Serie A best player, his past away from Italy and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Click here to read more