Only two players from Roma’s sub-squad were included in Roma’s squad for last night’s game (Sunday) against Benevento (0-0) in the 23rd round of the Italian league. The first is Amir Pratovic, a 19-year-old Slovenian stopper and the second – the end of Podgorano. This is not the first time that the Israeli extremist who came from Maccabi Haifa finds himself alongside names like Edin Dzeko, Henrik Mikitrian and Pedro in one of the best leagues in Europe. He has yet to get a Premier League debut in Serie A, but at the pace of progress he is at, that too will come.
The 19-year-old is squeezing compliments from the professional team in Rome and juggling between the sub-team, in which he is a regular car player, and the senior team. His adaptation also went smoothly with the help of the Jewish community in Rome, which invites him to meals reminiscent of home. “I talk to team manager Morgan de Santis every week, he is very much appreciated,” the agent says Titiano Pascuali Representing Podgorano along with Shahar Greenberg, “Rome thinks he could be one of the best wingers in Italy and Europe.”
“He still needs to improve his defensive ability,” Pascuali continues to analyze. In Rome. ” Greenberg He adds: “In Rome he is considered a player of the seniors, and from time to time he is asked to play for the Premiere.”
The good impression Podgorani has left in Rome may lead to more young players making their way from the Premier League to the Italian Primavera, and perhaps even more so. “A very focused end. He likes to learn, he wants to prove to everyone that he is an excellent player,” says Pasquali, “with his abilities he can play in all the major leagues. We are currently trying to bring more players from Israel to Europe.”
Greenberg adds: “The success of Suf opened doors for the Israeli player. No one knew who he was and after a month and a half, he was already training with the graduates. Because of the Corona, many projects got stuck. Soon we will see a movement of players to Italy and Europe.”
And while he’s trying to make his way to Rome’s senior team, Podgorano is facing a bureaucratic problem at home. He recently applied for the status of a lift athlete, similar to the status of Manor Solomon, but has not yet received approval. The criterion is that to receive the status of the athlete to stay abroad for a period of up to 3 years with an option for another year, at the end of which he will fulfill his military service. He is currently completing his first season outside Israel.
Back in Rome, despite the 0-0 draw, they are ranked third in the Italian league below the two Milanese, so there is a good chance that Podgorano, if he stays in the Italian capital, will get to watch the world’s best players in the Champions League up close. But another vision for the date.
