DIMARO - It's his seventeenth preseason retreat. The first one was a lifetime ago.

"But I don't feel old at all. If I have just signed a two year contract, it was because I still want to sacrifice myself and because I still have the same desire to play as when I was young."

Gianluca Pagliuca looks far into the future and does not yet see an end to his career.

"Who knows, I could still go on playing after 2004. Seaman is a few years older than me, and until a few days ago he was playing in the World Cup. I still want to amaze the spectators."

He smiles and seems to be in a good mood. Pansera, a goalkeeper that Bologna
has acquired from Albinoleffe, watches him with admiration.

"He follows me, he listens to me, makes me feel important. I like him, and then also he's from Inter, which means he has started on the right foot."

What does Pagliuca think about the new Bologna?

"On paper, those who left the team have been replaced with equally good players. I also hope that Gamberini (Pagliuca called him "Gambero") and Zaccardo will mature. Our primary objective should be to assure that we stay in Serie A for the following year. I know, this can seem too modest after 52
points in the championship last year, but I remember Bologna's first relegation well. There were great projects, great players, Neumann arrived, and then we were relegated to Serie B. Let's start out calm, with the headlights off. It's better that way, our voices should be raised in the field."

Paramatti passes by, and Pagliuca greets him with a friendly phrase.

"He gives me confidence, I'm happy that Michele is back. I think he is an ideal replacement for Fresi."

The Bologna goalkeeper has good wishes for Signori and Cipriani.

"I hope that Beppe stays well, because when he doesn't have problems, he is one with the goal. It would be enough for me if he scored 15, and he'll do that for sure if his health gives him no trouble. And a huge "Good luck!" wish to Cipriani, first because he deserves it, and second, because his recovery would be extremely important for Bologna."

As of now, Pagliuca has 463 regular season games behind him. He aims at 500.

"I'll make it, you'll see that I'll make it. You're asking me if I could go on to 600. Won't be easy, but you know me, I never give up."

A sweet thought for Balotta, another veteran of goal.

"The older we are, the more security we offer the team."

Then he makes it known that he will root for Brazil tomorrow.

"I would like Ronaldo to become World Champion after the thousand disappointments that he has been through."

By Claudio Beneforti, Stadio 28/06/02
Translated by Julia Tarasova.