Ciro Immobile says the European Championship final remains the defining moment of his Italy career as he begins a new role as team manager of the national Under-16 side.
The former Lazio captain has returned to Coverciano, where he is working with the next generation of Italy players. He said being back at the national team’s training centre had brought back powerful memories.
“When I stepped onto the field and trained a bit during the team’s break, strong emotions flooded over me, and all the beautiful memories I made here came back,” Immobile told Vivo Azzurro TV.
“Coverciano is almost exactly as I left it. Grilling in front of the dorms during the Euros, staying in the room with Belotti, Florenzi, and Pellegrini to play PlayStation: these are things that will stay in my heart.
“For me, the best moment with the national team was the European Championship final; that was the pinnacle.”
Immobile said he was proud to have rejoined the Italy set-up, while acknowledging that his responsibilities are now different.
“I am very proud to be part of the national team family again. I am aware of the responsibility on my shoulders,” he said.
“This role is certainly different, moving from a player to an institutional position. But as long as it’s about football, everything is good.”
He said his return was prompted by a call from Giovanni Malago on the day he announced his retirement. Immobile was on holiday in Abruzzo at the time and discussed the opportunity with his wife and family.
“This contact was special: on the afternoon I retired, the president called me,” he said. “That call was an unexpected surprise, something I never imagined. It made me realize how much respect I had earned as a person.
“I was on vacation in Abruzzo, and I thought about it seriously, and talked with my wife and family, who always encouraged me.”
Immobile intends to offer the Under-16 players guidance while working closely with the coach and the wider national-team structure.
“I will try to be sincere and forward-looking,” he said. “The Italian team has a lot of room for improvement and can certainly do better. I like to work closely with the coach, and I see how much passion and desire he puts into his work.
“All levels of the national team need to work together to bring talent to the first team.”
The young players were initially nervous around him, but Immobile said respect and education were central to his approach.
“I met a group of very motivated kids, and they were a bit nervous when talking to me, but I expected that,” he said. “What I emphasize most is education and respect for the badge they wear.”
He added: “I’m not the type to bang on the table to motivate everyone, but with the right words, I can still reach these kids’ hearts.”
Immobile also wants to show them that progress in football requires commitment. “Shortcuts in football often mean sacrifice and renunciation,” he said, adding that he now hopes to become a coach.
