Como’s Mattia Liberali Shares Insights Ahead of Italy Call-Up
Mattia Liberali, a promising talent from Como, recently held a press conference at Coverciano, where he discussed his excitement about receiving his first senior call-up to the Italy national team for the upcoming November break. He was joined by his former Catanzaro teammate, Alphadjo Cisse, as both eagerly anticipate their roles in the national squad.
During the press briefing, Liberali playfully addressed Cisse’s personality, stating, “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.” He reflected on their time together last season at Catanzaro, describing the experience as significant for his growth and emphasizing the need to leverage challenges for personal development.
Liberali noted his achievements from the previous season, where he scored three goals and provided four assists in 24 Serie B appearances, despite not being initially favored as a starter. He expressed appreciation for Como’s head coach, Cesc Fabregas, who recognized his resilience during tough times. “The first thing he told me on day one was congratulations on these last two years,” Liberali shared, adding, “Fàbregas is a great coach. In just a few years, he has taken Como to the point of fighting for Champions League places and the league title.”
The 2026 season has seen a positive atmosphere within the team, which Liberali described as important for young players. “Being young doesn’t automatically mean you’ll play. You have to earn your opportunities and be ready when they come,” he mentioned, highlighting the unity in the Como squad as a vital component of their success.
In light of the recent sacking of his former coach Alberto Aquilani, Liberali expressed his gratitude, stating, “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.”
Receiving the Italy call-up took him by surprise, but he considers it a significant honor. Liberali acknowledged the leap from Serie B to Serie A and the Champions League in terms of intensity and preparation. He pointed out the importance of blending technical skills with physical readiness in today’s competitive football landscape.
When asked about specific guidance from Italy coach Roberto Mancini, Liberali stated, “He didn’t ask anything extraordinary of me, just to stay calm and train the way I know how.” He also acknowledged the influence of U21 coach Baldini in his development.
Looking ahead to the next match against France, Liberali recognized the formidable talent of their opponents but expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities. He noted, “We believe in qualification, and we’ll give absolutely everything we have.”
Finally, Liberali declared Francesco Totti as one of his idols, reflecting on the legacy of exceptional players that inspire him as he embarks on his career with the national team.
