Raffaele Di Gennaro makes his first - team debut: "A day I've been dreaming of since I was nine years old"

Team

— May 26th 2024

2 MIN READING

An unforgettable day for the third-choice goalkeeper, who took to the pitch in Hellas Verona vs. Inter

There are dreams that seem unattainable but eventually come true after a long path full of obstacles. Raffaele Di Gennaro's dream has always been to pull on the Inter shirt and play, and it's a wish that has finally come true today.

“What I’ve experienced today is indescribable. It’s been a long time coming, ever since I was nine years old. I’m now 30, so 21 years have passed. From the very first day, my dream was to make my first-team debut, and today I did so. I’m so happy. It’s been a perfect season because of the Scudetto and Second Star, but also because of the birth of my son and the group that we are. It’s been an honour and a source of pride, and everyone has made me feel important. I’d like to thank everyone. All the guys have encouraged me since Wednesday, when the Coach told me I’d play these 20 minutes. For me, it’s wonderful and exciting just talking about it. I’d like to thank the Coach; nothing is owed in football. I’d also like to thank the staff and goalkeeping coaches, who have helped me grow and continuously had me working hard. I’ve always given everything every single day, and I’ve been rewarded for that today. I work with great goalkeepers who I can only learn from. The goalkeeping group is fantastic, and our close bond is cemented in training. ”

Raffaele Di Gennaro

Born in Saronno on 3 October 1993, the Nerazzurri's third-choice goalkeeper made his Inter debut against Hellas Verona, replacing Emil Audero after 68 minutes. A thrilling moment that crowned a journey that started 22 years ago, when Raffaele became part of the Nerazzurri youth sector at the age of nine. For the 30-year-old goalkeeper, it is also the absolute debut in Serie A.

In 2012, Di Gennaro was a key figure in Inter's triumphs in the Primavera 1 division and, above all, the NextGen Series. In the final against Ajax, which the Nerazzurri won on penalties, Raffaele made a decisive stop in the shootout, keeping out Veltman's spot-kick. In 2013, he left Inter and began a journey that took him to various clubs across Italy: Cittadella, Latina, Ternana and Spezia. He then returned to Inter in 2018 and spent a single campaign with the first team without, however, taking to the pitch. Spells at Catanzaro, Pescara and Gubbio followed.

Last summer, after four years away from the Club, Raffaele returned home and has been part of the squad in an unforgettable campaign.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri's Supercoppa Italiana triumph was followed by the clinching of the Second Star. And now Raffaele can now enjoy the fact that he's made his first appearance in Nerazzurri colours at first-team level. 22 years on from when he first joined the Club, the dream has become reality.