PARMA – He was the best man on the field, and that tells you how the game went. Gianluca Pagliuca has the rare ability to transform the avalanche of insults he usually receives from the Parma Ultras into strength, determination, and splendid saves. Previously, he was even pelted with fishing worms launched with a slingshot, besides the usual putdowns that every “opposing party” faces. To stay calm, last year he played with earplugs, staying away from the net (when he could, obviously).

“I don’t even care anymore,” says Pagliuca, “I only think of what is happening on the field and I try to concentrate as much as possible. But I think that Parma fans, instead of insulting Pagliuca or other goalkeepers, would do better to think about the serious problems they have at home and that their team is going through. I want to compliment the players of Parma, they are reacting in the best possible way, with strength and determination. They wanted to win against us at all cost, and they gave us no time to breathe. They are real professionals, they showed that on the field. It is hard to play, to put effort into it, and stay focused when your salary and future are not certain anymore.”

Three saves destined for the replays with agility young guys could envy, but Pagliuca is already 37.
“Age is not a problem,” confirms Pagliuca, “I have already said many times that I want to play until I’m 40, and I will do it, especially if I stay in the same great condition that I’m in right now.”

Which was the most difficult save?
“The first one, on Bresciano, the ball was going right into the bottom corner, and I had to stretch all the way out to get it.”

This was a draw that continues a series of positive results.
“It was great, it allows us to continue the series of good results and to get our spirits up before the game with Milan. This is a great place to be. We started well in the first twenty minutes, then we got a little shell-shocked by the Parma attacks, which got us into difficulties. We are doing well as a team, too, and I hope to see a great Bologna against Milan as well. Milan scored five times at Ancona and that says a lot about what awaits us.”

The situation in the standings has clearly improved, though.
“We have had a series of very important results, but because of some surprising developments, like the victories of Lecce and Empoli, for example, we are still at risk of getting involved in the relegation battle. It’s enough to lose one important game or not pick up as many points as expected, and once again you’re in trouble.”

Bologna must stay focused and Pagliuca obviously intends to keep up the pressure until the end of the championship.
“I don’t even want to think about the future, I’m extremely happy with what I have done, but I don’t feel like making prophecies. I’m in great shape, but mistakes can always happen, and the smallest thing can bring you down, so let’s not talk about that. I go to practice, I live in peace, I do my duty and I don’t think about anything else. A goalkeeper’s lot is probably the hardest, because as soon as you make a mistake you pay for it dearly. The fans are quick to forget what good you’ve done, only the present counts, and if in the last move you make a mistake that leads to defeat, they criticize you. We have won 15 points in the last 8 games and this is nice, but we have not done anything yet. Very difficult games are coming up, and we cannot mess them up.”

Castellini had a great game.
“I didn’t need to see him on the field to pass judgment on him. My teammates and I would like him to play with us, but I think he is too expensive.”

What did you see in the incident of Mazzone’s expulsion?
“Nothing, I was too far away, I only heard him yelling and that was enough.”