After a year-long hiatus, Bryan Cristante has once again donned the illustrious blue jersey of the Italy national team, a return that he describes with a palpable sense of pride. Speaking from Coverciano, the hub of Italian football, the AS Roma midfielder articulated a philosophy that, while seemingly obvious, often feels refreshingly direct in the intricate world of international football: merit, he insists, is “fundamental” for an international call-up.
The Unwavering Principle of Merit
In a landscape where squad selections can sometimes spark heated debates and raise eyebrows, Cristante’s emphasis on performance-based recognition serves as a potent reminder of what ideally should drive national team invitations. It`s a conviction that suggests consistency, hard work, and demonstrable ability on the club stage are the non-negotiable prerequisites. For Cristante, his year away from the Azzurri only underscores this point; his impressive form for Roma has clearly paved the way back.
One might even observe a subtle irony here: the notion that playing exceptionally well should lead to national recognition. Yet, in modern football, where narratives and perceived potential can sometimes overshadow present output, Cristante’s steadfast adherence to the old-fashioned concept of earning your spot feels both grounded and necessary. It’s a simple truth, often complicated, but here, articulated with refreshing clarity.
A Midfielder for All Seasons
Cristante`s versatility has long been one of his defining attributes. “I’ve played in any role; I’m available for the coach. I’m a central midfielder and I’ve always felt at ease in every system,” he stated. This adaptability is increasingly prized in the high-octane environment of modern European football. Midfielders, as Cristante notes, are no longer afforded the luxury of specialization; they must excel in both offensive and defensive phases, covering vast swathes of the pitch with relentless intensity.
The Italian national team finds itself in a particularly enviable position regarding its midfield depth. A robust crop of young talents is emerging, gaining crucial playing time and experience at the highest levels. This infusion of youth, combined with the seasoned expertise of players like Cristante, suggests a dynamic and competitive core for the Azzurri’s engine room. The demands are high, the challenges numerous, and as Cristante succinctly puts it, “you need to run more.”
Azzurri`s Road to the World Cup
The immediate focus for Cristante and his teammates is the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel. The road to the global tournament is never straightforward, but the desire within the squad to secure a berth is undeniable. “We want to go to the World Cup with all our hearts,” he affirmed, while wisely cautioning against underestimation: “We focus on Estonia only… International games are always tricky.”
The fixture against Israel carried an added layer of complexity due to geopolitical tensions, but Cristante welcomed the news of a ceasefire agreement, expressing hope for eased tensions. This positive development, he noted, aligns with collective hopes, allowing the team and fans to focus more purely on the football. A full stadium in Udine, he hopes, will provide the crucial backing needed for these vital encounters.
Roma`s Ascent: Stability and Ambition
Beyond the national team, Cristante also offered insights into his club, AS Roma, currently joint-leaders in Serie A alongside Napoli. After years of struggling to secure Champions League qualification, Roma appears to be on an upward trajectory, building “good stability.” While acknowledging that they are competing against historically stronger title contenders, Cristante believes Roma is “close” to achieving their aspirations.
He pointed to a need for refinement in “some details up front and some choices in attack,” suggesting a clear-eyed assessment of where improvements can still be made. For Cristante himself, the philosophy remains consistent whether he`s wearing the Giallorossi colours or the Azzurri blue: dedication and availability. “There aren’t many indispensable players. I always think about working hard and showing what I can do,” he concluded, a testament to his professional ethos and unwavering commitment to the pitch.
