PUNE, INDIA: Pune City’s Italian midfielder Davide Colomba believes the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) tournament will be a step towards improving the quality of football in the country and help bridge the gap to the game’s elite nations.
“In Europe, football is a modern sport. In Italy, it is the national sport, the same as cricket is in India. It [the ISL] will be a good step towards modern football,” he told indiansuperleague.com when asked about the difference between the sport in India and Italy.
ISL begins on Sunday with Atletico de Kolkata taking on Mumbai City FC in the opener at the Salt Lake Stadium.
FC Pune City make their first appearance away against Delhi Dynamos FC on October 14.
India are currently languishing in 158th spot in the Fifa rankings, while four-time World Cup winners Italy are 13th in the table.
FC Pune City will be the Italian’s first club outside his country and he will be coached by his father, Franco Colomba.
The former Ascoli player expressed his delight at getting the opportunity to play alongside prolific French striker and ex-Juventus star David Trezeguet.
“He gives us a lot of confidence and is a fine example of a professional footballer. He’s humble and a winner,” the 26-year old said.
He is optimistic about the team’s chances in the tournament as the players are “slowly getting to know each other”.
“We are gelling well together, both tactically and technically. Some Indian players are very nice guys, strong willed and hard-working, which gives us the possibility of reaching a common objective,” the Bologna-born player said, adding: “My experience in the country so far has been fascinating.”
