Udinese fans who have signed up to the Udinese Calcio membership programme 1896 Membership had the chance to take part in a video chat with Nicola Bertola. In the first edition of A tu per tu con i tuoi campioni [Meet your idols], the 1896 Members joined the young defender in a call and were able to ask him questions on different topics.
Here's a selection of the questions put to Nicolo:
Matteo: What has surprised you most about Udinese?
“The attention to detail in all the little things. They support you and help you with anything you need. They try to create the best conditions for you.”
Sara: When did you fall in love with football?
“It started when I was very young, about three. I started playing football and watching my dad play. That's where it started. Then as soon as I could, I joined a football school in my town and I haven't stopped since.”
Alice: Who do you look up to in life? Both on and off the pitch.
“Generally I'd say my dad because he raised me and he was always my football example. In terms of players, my idol has always been Alessandro Nesta. I always used to watch him when I was young. I think he was one of the best in the world. He was the reason behind my choice of shirt number this season.”
Daniele: Do you think Udinese can help you earn an Italy call-up in the future?
“Playing for Italy is what every young footballer dreams of, so I really hope so. I don't know if I'll get called up but I'm sure Udinese is a club that can help me get there. There have been lots of Italy and other international players here in the past.”
Valentina: How did it feel to make your Serie A debut?
“It was an incredible feeling and it came when I least expected it because it was a very important game – funnily enough against Udinese. Clearly it was fate! I went to warm up without thinking I might go on. We were fighting to stay up. Then all of a sudden the coach called me over and said 'Get ready, you're going on.' At the time I didn't really realise what was happening. I remember the only thing Thiago Motta said to me was 'Enjoy yourself. This is your moment.' And it went well. At the end of the game I started crying because I'd made my debut and we'd avoided relegation.”