Matias Mazzoni. The former Talleres player who moved to the first division of San Marino, which has a spot to play in the Champions League and Europa League.

It is very likely that Matias Mazzoni’s (19 years old) dream was to play for Talleres or, when he was younger, for River, where he went for a trial accompanied by his father Diego. However, he understood early on that being a footballer is a long and tortuous road that you have to learn how to walk.

After leaving the “T,” he went to Europe and continued his career in the Italian lower leagues and now moved to SS Cosmos in the first division of San Marino, which has a spot for the Champions League and Europa League. Last season they finished fourth, and in September the new tournament will begin.
Those same paths in football led Mazzoni to meet German Filloy, an Atenas legend who is now dedicated to representing athletes together with his son Pablo.

“Football is wonderful. Wherever it is,” began the player from Cordoba in his interview with La Voz.

–How was your recent transfer? Were you expecting it?
–It was an opportunity that came up quite quickly, but for me it’s a big step and I’m eager to keep growing in my football career.

–How do you evaluate your first step back in 2023 with Missano?
–Since I came to Italy, it opened my mind in every way and made me realize that this is what I want for my future.

–Is the category difference important?
–The divisions over there matter a lot, also age, especially in the first teams. But over time you gain experience, learning from the right people.

–Your dad is a good central midfielder. And you?
–My dad played as a center-back for many years and I’ve learned a lot from him throughout my life in many ways. I play as a midfielder, both central and more advanced. He played for Racing de Nueva Italia.

–Have your dreams as a footballer changed or shifted?
–They haven’t changed at all—on the contrary, they’ve grown stronger so I can reach the highest level possible.

–How was that trial with River and how old were you?
–I had a trial with River when I was 7 years old, after being seen at a tournament with my neighborhood school EFUL. It was my first experience at a high football level and honestly, I was amazed by everything. I was accepted at River, but at that age it was very hard to be so far from home. Thanks to that, I ended up going to Talleres where I played for 9 years.

–What’s life like in Europe, far from your family and loved ones?
–The hardest part of living there is clearly being far from your family, your home, and your friends. I’ve been through very good and very bad moments, but it’s a decision I made in order to achieve my dream.

–Was leaving Talleres a before and after for you? Why has it been so difficult for the club’s players to break into the first team?
–It’s hard because playing in the first team means competing with older and more experienced players, where timing, contrast, and technical aspects are all very different. So I was always prepared for that.

–Is it true you’re represented by a basketball legend like German Filloy?
–Yes. German and Pablo Filloy, along with the people from Interperformances Agency, helped me get this opportunity to play in San Marino’s first division. I’m very ready for when I get there.

–How did the contact come about and what’s your relationship like with him?
–It came through a mutual friend of my parents, where we talked and shared our projects, and we found we had a lot in common.

(Courtesy of LaVoz.com)