During the ceremony at the Gradisca d’Isonzo theatre to present the 35th edition of the Trofeo Nereo Rocco, a prestigious international youth event which Udinese is taking part in this year, Luca Gotti received the prestigious golden lion in celebration of his achievements in charge of Udinese.
“I feel very connected to youth tournaments,” explained the boss. “I used to work in youth football and when I coached national youth teams, I’d often come to Gradisca and have watched so many editions of the tournament. I feel privileged to have been a friend of the Rocco family for over 20 years. I associate Gradisca and Itala San Marco with Giuliano Zoratti, a wonderful person who I was able to appreciate over time. It’s not just the Udinese coach who is here in Gradisca, but also a long path alongside this very important youth tournament.
“Key names such as chief executive Franco Collavino and our president have won this award, so I feel I have to ask, ‘What am I doing here?’ It’s a pleasure to follow in such top people’s footsteps.”