Inter Milan Backup Keeper Declares: ‘Inter Is My Home & Family’ – Adds ‘The Serie A Title Celebrations Were Incredible’ | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro feels that Inter Milan are his “home” and a “family.”

The Nerazzur backup keeper spoke in the matchday program for today’s Serie A clash with Lazio, via FCInterNews. He also looked back on last season’s title celebrations.

Goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro returned to Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.

The 31-year-old has only made one appearance in this spell with the Nerazzurri. However, that is hardly a surprise.

Inter Milan certainly did not sign Di Gennaro in order to be a first-choice option in goal.

Rather, the Italian is the third-choice keeper.

Therefore, there has been no real impact from Di Gennaro on the pitch.

However, behind the scenes the 31-year-old has had his role to play. He is a source of continuity within the dressing room and in training.

Therefore, the fact that Di Gennaro is an Inter youth academy graduate is a hugely significant one.

Raffaele Di Gennaro is a player who knows Inter inside and out. Because he grew up at the club, in a certain sense.

Raffaele Di Gennaro: “Inter Milan Is My Home & Family”

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 25: Raffaele Di Gennaro of Inter Milan celebrates after saving a penalty during the NextGen Series Final between Ajax U19 and Inter Milan U19 at Matchroom Stadium on March 25, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Di Gennaro commented that “I spent ten years in the youth sector here.”

“And Inter means home and family for me,” the 31-year-old went on.

“After gaining experience outside of here, I was lucky enough to be able to return and wear this shirt again last season, in a spectacular season.”

“And to experience great emotions with this incredible group.”

Di Gennaro remarked that “football has always given me great emotions.”

“It’s my dream and love.”

“Every time I put on the gloves and step out onto the pitch I feel that passion that pushed me to become a footballer in the first place,” the Inter backup keeper said.

Meanwhile, Di Gennaro recalled his substitute appearance on the final day of last season, in a match against Hellas Verona.

“May 26th, 2024,” the keeper looked back. “Making my Serie A debut with Inter was the day I realized my dream.”

And then, Di Gennaro called the Serie A title win last season “an unfogettable moment.”

“The Scudetto celebrations,” he recalled. “I remember holding my son with the number 20 shirt in my arms.”

“He was almost nine months old. And he was looking around in disbelief.”

“Having him there in that moment alongside all our fans celebrating was fantastic,” said Di Gennaro.

“It was a spectacular day,” he added. “Walking around Milan with our fans, and with lots of laughter and chants after years of struggle and sacrifice.”

“It was beautiful,” Di Gennaro said of the title celebrations.