Mattia Liberali spoke at an Italy press conference at Coverciano on Tuesday, joining former teammate Alphadjo Cisse, and addressed his first senior call-up and his feelings toward former coach Alberto Aquilani.
First senior Italy call-up in November
Liberali and his former Catanzaro teammate Alphadjo Cisse received their first senior Italy call-ups for the November international break. Last season, Liberali made 24 Serie B appearances with Catanzaro, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
Choosing Como instead of returning to Milan
Liberali chose to move to Como rather than return to Milan. He was not initially a regular starter under Alberto Aquilani, and the way he handled the situation impressed his current Como coach, Fàbregas.
Comments and interaction with Cisse
Asked, smiling, about the merits and defects of Cisse, Liberali said: "Starting with the defects: if you text him, he replies three days later. He lives in his own world, but that’s also one of his strengths because, on the pitch, he knows how to shut everything out and always plays with a carefree mindset, as we’ve seen in recent months".
Speaking about Como coach Fàbregas, Liberali said: "The first thing he told me on day one was congratulations on these last two years".
Thoughts on Aquilani and idol Totti
Sassuolo sacked Aquilani on Monday. Speaking about his former coach, Liberali said: "I’m sorry about Aquilani. I’ll text him in the next few days. I owe him a lot. Last year he gave me so much, both as a coach and on a personal level".
Asked whether he had any regret seeing how quickly Cisse has adapted, Liberali replied: "No regrets. As I often say, make decisions with conviction and without looking back". On his Azzurri role models, he concluded: "I’ve always liked Totti".
