The big interview: Gabriel Strefezza, Como 1907’s brazilian winger

There are plenty of videos of Gabriel Strefezza on YouTube.

One, which lasts almost 10 minutes, shows Como’s Brazilian winger gliding past opponents, turning defenders inside out and finding the corner of the goal with pinpoint shots from distance.

“I like to take on defenders and play between the lines,” the 27-year-old tells BLU. “I take inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo because besides having talent he worked incredibly hard to get where he is now. He is the greatest player of all time.”

“I also like (Paulo) Dybala, (Lorenzo) Insigne, (Dries) Mertens… and all those creative players I see myself in.”

“The best Brazilian player today is probably Neymar. He’s injured right now so I’d say the Brazilian playing the best football is Vinicius Jr.”

“The best Brazilian of all time… everyone says Pele but I’ve never seen him play so I would say Ronaldo ‘El Fenomeno’ and Ronaldinho.”

Gabriel’s creative spark, ignited by this long list of idols, has been lighting up the Sinigaglia since he winged his way there in January. Before that, it was SPAL who brought him from South America to Europe, and he made his debut in Serie B late in the 2016- 17 campaign before loan spells at Juve Stabia and Cremonese

A three-year stay at Lecce followed and his 14 league goals in 2021-22 helped them to promotion to Serie A as champions of the second tier. Fast forward to this summer and he made a permanent switch to Como, after initially joining on loan, and once again looks comfortable among the big guns of Italian football, having secured his place in Cesc Fabregas’ starting XI.

It’s a long way from Sao Paulo, where he spent eight years at the Corinthians Academy learning his trade.

“Corinthians are one of the strongest teams in Brazil,” he said. “The experience was incredibly valuable for my development as a footballer. But beyond that, I made many friendships there that have lasted to this day.

Leaving Brazil for Europe was not easy. ‘I was only 18 years old and I left to chase a dream that, thank God, came true. At the beginning it was anything but easy, I often missed my family, my mother and my friends. But I have been in Italy for a long time now so I also consider this country a bit like home.’ Settling by the lake has been a smooth process. A strong end to Como’s promotion-winning campaign yielded three goals and two assists from his 15 games.

After arriving at the start of the year he outlined his aim of helping the club back to Serie A, and with that box ticked, what is next for the tricky No.7? “To score at least 10 goals,” he says. “It’s a target I set for myself at the start of every season.”

Away from the pitch, life is good. When asked about his favourite place in Como, there’s no hesitation. “The lake,” he says. “I often go to its shores to walk or to eat with my family. It’s a place that gives me a lot of serenity, but there’s also a nice vibe. I have to say, I’m very happy in Como.” He has been with his wife Larissa for almost 12 years and the couple have two daughters, 9-year-old Manuela and Madalena who is 2. There is also Sofi a 4-year-old foxhound.

A typical day involves dropping his daughters off at school before training, picking them up after and spending time with them in the evening. Taking them swimming or to the park are among his favourite hobbies (although he also finds time for his PlayStation). “When my wife and eldest daughter arrived in Italy after a couple of years, it was as if I became complete again.”

He also enjoyed a heartwarming family moment with his late grandfather Walter. Back in Brazil, it was Walter who took the youngster to his games and training sessions while his parents worked. “He was always there by my side and supported me throughout my career until the very end. He was always calm and very friendly. I consider myself to be just like him.” Gabriel was able to bring Walter to Italy. “It was a dream come true for him to visit his parents’ country. I got him to eat Italian pizza, something he’s always wanted to do. It was beautiful. A few months later he passed because of heart problems, I’m glad we got to live our dreams.”

Where he came from is never far from Gabriel’s heart. He listens to samba music, enjoys eating at Brazilian restaurant Beija Flor in Como and when asked to name his all-time starting XI he included countrymen Dani Alves, Marcelo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar on the teamsheet.

He opts for Pele over Maradona in one of football’s greatest debates and highlighted Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo when asked to predict the next wave of potential global superstars (he also mentioned Frenchman Kylian Mbappe and English midfielder Jude Bellingham). Gabriel’s picks for players to rule the world all star for Real Madrid – the team he rates the greatest on the planet right now. Vini Jr is the current owner of their No.7, the shirt once worn by Gabriel’s hero Cristiano Ronaldo.

Gabriel’s picks for players to rule the world all star for Real Madrid – the team he rates the greatest on the planet right now. Vini Jr is the current owner of their No.7, the shirt once worn by Gabriel’s hero Cristiano Ronaldo. “For me, it’s very important to wear a number I like. It makes you feel good. I like the No.7,” he said, before revealing that while at Cremonese he paid €300 at auction to guarantee the jersey when a team-mate also had eyes on it. Gabriel wears it with pride for the Lariani fans and someone has posted a highlights reel on YouTube called Eroe del Como – Hero of Como.

There’s also a collection of his clips called Super Talent and another impressive montage from more than a year ago under the name Why Is Nobody Talking About Gabriel Strefezza? Well, it’s safe to say they are now.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

Team supported as a boy: Corinthians.

Nickname: At Corinthians they called me Espeto because my hairstyle resembled a skewer.

Favourite city: São Paulo.

Any superstitions/rituals: Before going on to the pitch I always say a prayer asking God to help me and the team.

Car: Mercedes.

Favourite food: From Brazil, Picanha and Feijoada. From Italy… I am crazy about carbonara.

Any advice for aspiring footballers: Always look ahead to reach your dream, and above all, be humble.

If you could have any super power: Super speed.

If you could spend a day with anyone who would it be? Jesus.

Most expensive thing you have bought to wear: Rolex watch.

Best player you have played with: Samuel Umtiti.

Favourite holiday spot: Salento or Sardinia, always by the sea.

Describe yourself in three words: Humble, cheerful, happy.