A triple success to seal a 2023 to remember. Emmanuele Zurlo, born in ’88, has truly tried it all in his career as a footballer. Growing up in the youth sector of Catanzaro, his hometown, he cherished the dream of professionalism.
A love that has never been limited to 11-a-side football, which Zurlo still plays in the First Category with the Martelletto Settingiano shirt. A passion that the center forward from Catanzaro fueled with the spectacular nature of five-a-side football first and subsequently of Beach Soccer.
Love at first sight
“I must thank the President of Panarea Catanzaro, Pino Procopio, which brought me closer to Beach Soccer – says Zurlo. It was love at first sight right from the start. It is a fun and spectacular sport, even more followed today thanks to the recent victory at the European Championship which I hope will give further impetus to our movement. I will take with me the emotions of an incredible 2023 where I took part in all the possible finals.”
Winning hat-trick
“With Catania Beach Soccer the season began with the Super Cup final (lost against Pisa), then we redeemed ourselves by winning the Italian Cup and came one step away from winning the championship, won in the final by Viareggio. With the national team we gained the pass for the World Cup, also thanks to the goal scored in the final minutes against Spain and the icing on the cake was the victory of the European Championship, again in the final against Spain. A joy that I shared with a splendid group, proud of the appointment as captain. Also in Alghero, I won the World Winners Cup with Napoli Beach Soccer. I can’t ask for anything better in 2023.”
Ambitions and expectations
“I’m 35 years old, I feel young inside and I have that crazy desire to play and win as if I were twenty. This is my true strength. If it were possible I would practice beach soccer all year round but at the moment the conditions aren’t there. When one day, I hope as late as possible, I will no longer be able to continue, I would like to remain in the field of Beach Soccer, perhaps as a coach.”
World Cup in Dubai
“After a season like this we can’t switch off. I am preparing physically and mentally for the World Championships which will be held in Dubai, from 15 to 24 February, also because we are a great group and we want to continue to be ready.”