Francesco Andrealli, 19, is the captain of Como’s youth squad and has recently been called up to the senior Peru national team. The Italian‑born midfielder began playing football in his hometown of San Fedele at the age of five and joined Como’s academy when he was eight after being spotted in a youth tournament by the club’s scouts. He has lived in the club’s accommodation in Como with other players since then. Andrealli has witnessed significant changes at Como, noting that the club now has dedicated facilities for both the first team and the youth sides. “Before we didn’t even have a proper pitch for the youth team,” he said. “Now there is a dedicated area for the first team and another for the youth, which is a huge improvement.” The most challenging period of his development, according to Andrealli, was when he was 15. He had to commute an hour by bus from his hometown to Como for training and school, waking at 6 a.m. and returning home at 8:30 p.m. “Every day was the same, and it changed me a lot,” he recalled. He has been invited to train with Como’s first team on several occasions. “It’s always a pleasure to train with the senior players,” he said. “I try to learn from them and incorporate their tactics into my game.” During a pre‑season meeting with youth coach Falsini, Andrealli was asked to take on a leadership role as captain. “Falsini told me to play calmly and to be a leader on the field,” he said. “He wants us to work hard and to become professional footballers.” When asked about the differences between playing with his peers and with Serie A professionals, Andrealli noted that the mentality and style of play are similar. “In the U19 and U20 teams we play like the first team,” he explained. “The idea is to learn from them and apply those lessons in our own matches.” He describes himself as a central midfielder, preferring a number‑six role that focuses on passing and organization. “I like to run a lot on the field and to play a constructive game,” he said. Andrealli’s international ambitions include playing in the FIFA World Cup and winning the UEFA Champions League. He first met with the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) in November, when he was invited to train with the senior squad in Russia. “It was a great experience to spar with the senior players,” he said. “They are fun and helped me a lot.” He hopes to make his senior debut for Peru against Bolivia and to participate in the upcoming U20 South American Championship. “It’s a huge excitement,” he said. “The South American tournament is an important showcase, and we need to play calmly and aim for the best results.”
Article source: El Comercio | Image credit: El Comercio