In football Italy performs better than Latvia, which does not mean, that we will not find players from sunny Italy in the latvian football. One of them is 23 years old Riccardo Paoli, who plays for FK Lielupe, a club that cooperates with „Bałtycki futbol”.
Rafał Kobza („Bałtycki futbol”): Where you used to live in Italy? How and when did you get to Latvia?
Riccardo Paoli (FK Lielupe): I’m from Varese, a city 40 km. near Milan in the north of Italy. I arrived one first time on the august 2019 for an Erasmus program, and I stayed to january 2020. Now I came back on the beginning of july for my master thesis.
Do you later want to stay in Latvia, or come back to Italy?
I think I’ll come back to Italy, but not for long, just for my graduation. Then looking for job, better abroad, but not Latvia necessary.
I think football is a big thing for you, if you started to play it during your stay in Latvia?
I used to play in Italy since I was 5 years old, and now I found a team here to keep in training for when I’ll come back to play in Italy. So I can say yes, because football is a way to let off steam and disconnect from studying and working for a couple of hours a week, meet new people and play sports.
How did you find out about FK Lielupe?
I was playing with some friends on a free field, and I met a children coach that gave me a contact to Lielupe.
What can you say about your team? In which italian league you would see Lielupe?
Hmm, it’s a hard question, because in Italy (I play in the amateur league) it’s completely different. Also in the lowest league there are teams with money that pay the players, so the level remains good. Also trainings were complete different (with more athletic and tactical sessions), and it’s hard to compare. I can say maybe in one of the last league called „Terza categoria” or „UISP” (9th level in italian league system).
In Lielupe we have some very good players that I think could play in the medium-high amateur league (it’s almost professional, player can make 600/700 euro or more in a month, that’s why it’s difficult to make a paragon). By the way – a thing I’ve noticed here is the passion. It’s very high and I didn’t expect it, so I’m enjoying a lot the time here. Also the mates are top, they welcomed me immediately and although not every speak english good, they are always in to have a chat before or after training.
You have mentioned that in Italy training sessions are more athletic and tactical. Do you see more differences between italian and latvian amateur football?
Yes, I think that the Latvian football has more a physical approach, with hard and tough crashes, while Italian pay more attention to the tactics.
Are you trying to play in „italian style” during your stay in Latvia?
Yeah, I’m a central defender and so I try to help my defense mates with the tactical works that I’ve done in Italy.
And do you see any results of this help?
It’s not easy, it will be a long way, but something is gonna move, I hope that soon we’ll see some results.
FK Lielupe’s start in league this year hard to call „good”. How are the moods in the team?
Yes, the results are not good, but we are also a bit unlucky with unfortunately episodes and some injuries.
Even if the results are bad I see some little improvements every time, but only with the hard work our season can change. A positive thing is that the group looks united, so we have to keep it strong as our base for the improvements.
In current situation what is Lielupes goal this season?
Maybe better that there is no 4th league, because we can play with the “mind free” and try to take away some satisfaction. We have to focus for every match like a “final” and see where the results will bring.
Which „italian thing” do you miss the most in Latvia? Eats, culture?
For first I have to say that I’m very good in Latvia, that’s why I’ve come back to finish my studies, if I have to say something I think I would say some typical Italian foods that my mom used cooked and the Italian sea.
And what in Latvia could you reccomend other italians?
First, to come to Latvia anyway because it’s very nice, then for sure Riga that it’s perfect for a weekend, but honestly I didn’t see much. I’m busy with my study, but I could reccomend Saulkrasti for the beach and Sigulda for the autumn colors.
foto: private archive
