An “Azzurro” in the Black Forest

Now there is an exciting season ahead, in which Freiburg will also play in the Europa League. Grifo spoke to s+ about the current squad, the support of the fans and his appearances in the Italian selection.

You once left Freiburg and set up your tents again in Breisgau after a few years. What is special about Freiburg and the SC for you?

“I just found my way around here really well. Everything around it fits, I feel very comfortable in the club and the development is also very good in terms of sport. So far I have had the most success in Freiburg. The coaching staff, the team and the atmosphere are exceptional. My family is also here and can come to the stadium for every game. This is basically the complete package you want. “I found my second home here.”

Grifo, an Azzurro near Freiburg. © Achim Keller

Since your return, you have been an integral part of the team and are moving forward. How do you see the team structure in the new season?

“I think the club really put a lot of thought into it and worked well. Sure, we lost a great player in Nico Schlotterbeck. He finally became a national player for us and has really developed strongly. Of course something like that hurts. But we also have many strong newcomers. With Matthias Ginter we have brought in a world champion. But also Ritsu Doan or Daniel-Kofi Kyereh. With Michael Gregoritsch we also have a player who knows the Bundesliga very well and has often confirmed that he can play at a high level. We made it to the cup final last season and this year we are in the Europa League, so we have continued to grow. I find it pleasing that we have such great new players in the team; the squad is definitely very well positioned. So we can go full throttle this year and achieve good results again.”

Freiburg is also playing internationally again. A great opportunity, but also an additional burden. What goal have you set for yourself this season?

“Of course you never want to be worse than the previous season. We played for the Champions and Europa Leagues. Hopefully this needs to be confirmed again. Of course it won't be easy. Such a great season doesn't come along every year. But we will do everything we can and work hard to succeed. But you never know what's going to happen: you need all the players healthy, the additional burden of international competition is great. But we have a strong and largely experienced squad. That’s why I’m confident.”

Is a standard specialist: Vincenzo Grifo. © AFP / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

You celebrated great successes with Freiburg last season - but also experienced a low blow. How much is the lost cup final still eating away at the team?

“Not at all, I have to be honest. Sure, it still hurt a bit on vacation. I felt a bit empty for a moment. But now we are clearly proud of the great performance and the fact that we made it to the final. It was really fun and there were great pictures that gave you motivation. So we hope to at least be in the final again.”

You can be sure of the support of the fans. What does that trigger in an experienced professional footballer when, after the restrictions end, there are numerous fans in the stadium again and support the team in large numbers even at away games?

“This is really very nice. All I can really say is a compliment to our fans, who have grown a lot in recent years. What happened in Berlin at the final, for example, was unique. I really had goosebumps. The way our fans supported us was heartwarming. Even if you now have public training in the stadium and see the numerous fans, that makes me proud.”

You yourself are an Italian citizen and also a national player – what was it like putting on the Azzurri jersey for the first time?

"Beautiful! I always dreamed of it as a child and bought national team jerseys. But really being part of this team makes me proud. I'm still in the extended squad and was also in the extended European Championship squad. It's nice to see that hard work really pays off. This shows that you can never give up, no matter how far away you think you are. Mancini gave me the chance and I wanted to contribute my best to it. I now have six international matches under my belt, which I'm very proud of. As a little boy you saw it on TV and suddenly I’m a part of it myself.”

Your free kicks and corners are feared by opposing teams. Do you perhaps have a tip or two for our readers?

“Of course there’s a lot of hard work behind it. It's all about precision and technique. It's important to get a feel for where you hit the ball. Then you have to try it very often, including with the free kick wall. There are different variations and everyone has to find out for themselves which shooting technique suits them best. What's also important is how much effort you make and then it's just a matter of practicing, practicing and practicing some more. Since I was a child, I have always practiced standards and continued to refine the nuances. You try out a lot - and I can say this much: not everything will work. But you have to keep the positive and draw on your self-confidence.”

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An “Azzurro” in the Black Forest

This name sets off alarm bells for most opponents: Vincenzo Grifo from SC Freiburg is not only known for his dangerous set pieces. In Breisgau he has developed into a leader.

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