"An Albanian holiday, an Italian holiday." So writes Corriere Dello Sport after an interview with Prime Minister Edi Rama about the final match of the Conference League. For months, Tirana is preparing for the final, writes Corriere.
On Wednesday, the day of the match, all public offices will be closed to facilitate the organization and management of the event. In the interview they received with Prime Minister Rama, Corriere writes that he is excited. Last week on his Instagram profile he posted a photo of a Rome scarf next to the stadium railings, to find out that his people have chosen which side they will support.
"I have Italian blood, my grandmother had Venetian blood. Thanks to her I was able to learn your language. To me, Italians are Albanians wearing Versace. "We are really similar in culture and mentality," Rama said.
Interview:
Prime Minister, this final is a great opportunity for Albania.
Edi Rama: It is true. In terms of image, it is a sensational event. But for us it is also a pride to wait for this final. Until a few years ago, our national team could not play in Tirana because it had an old stadium that did not meet international standards. Now the capital is hosting a European final for the first time.
What is the atmosphere like a few days before the match?
"Unbelievable. And it will be hotter from now until Wednesday. "We will be at the right height."
There are security concerns, as many Italian and Dutch fans have arrived without tickets.
"We are organized. Those who can not enter the stadium will be able to watch the match in two fan-zones for the fans. "I asked the police in Rome and Rotterdam for help, everyone is working hard to provide support."
Tirana, even in your term as mayor, has evolved a lot in recent decades.
"We are experiencing a period of great development, after the terrible fading of the communist era and the urban chaos that followed. "All those who come to visit us are surprised and want to return to Albania."
Is it true that you are a Juventus fan?
"Yes, since I was a child. But now that Roma are run by Mourinho, it's hard for me to choose. I was fascinated by him when he was at Inter, so much so that at the time he made me betray Juventus a bit… The truth is that I am not a football expert. "I am more interested in coaches: from them I can learn charisma, leadership, the ability to manage a team."
Rome wins on Wednesday?
"I think Feyenoord has less chances to win the cup, so to speak ët The Dutch will play away from home, because Tirana is a small Roma. "All Albanians will cheer for Rome."
And maybe for Marash Kumbulla, who is Albanian?
"I do not know him personally, but everyone here speaks well of him. And it is not a trivial thing in Albania for everyone to agree. Marash is our flag and is a strong player. "He was very good at making Jose change his mind, gradually gaining space."
What would you recommend to "your" Juventus to become great again?
"If I could give you some advice, I would become a member of the association of well-known coaches you have in Italy… But what happened before seemed abnormal to me, that is, you always win."
Allegri?
"Big. But just as big was the bet to bring him back to Juventus. "Returns are always complicated."