Vincenzo Grifo would have to give up his love for Freiburg to play in Italy

Speaking exclusively to Kicker, Vincenzo Grifo has stated that he would have to give up his love for Freiburg to play to Italy, despite it being his dream.

Despite playing in the Serie A, Grifo stated that it’s not currently an issue: “I deal a lot with Italy and Serie A, of course I also get a lot from the league with the national team. The dream is alive,” but follows up with, “It’s [a move] not an issue right now.”

On what he would have to give up to play in Italy, Grifo said: “My homeland, my love for this club [Freiburg], I’ve found great teammates and real friends, and you shouldn’t forget success either.”

Freiburg finished runners-up to RB Leipzig in the 2022 DFB Pokal but also finished sixth, just three points behind RB Leipzig who secured fourth, and a Champions League spot.

Grifo is currently enjoying his best season with nine goals and two assists after just 15 Bundesliga games. Christian Streich’s side are second, just four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

At 29, Grifo still dreams of representing Italy at Euro 2024, despite being born and growing up in Germany, and feels 100 percent Italian. The attacking-midfielder has represented his country eight times, scoring four goals.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder