Daniele Portanova - the Natural Born Leader of Bologna

In the land of Inter, Milan and Juventus there are two teams that constantly bring the big teams difficulties. Udinese is a real pain in the a** for the big teams. But this season yet another side developed character, and is rarely beaten. And what is more interesting, the side is in financial collapse since the beginning of the season, the players do not get their salary regularly, and the team was even punished with 3 points for that. 

Still, Bologna is far from the relegation zone and it is much thanks to the solid defense. And there, firm as a rock, stands Daniele Portanova - 32 year old defender, who has one of his best seasons in Serie A and is the natural leader of the team. 

Daniele, the leader is developed or is born? 

"It is Born"

And since when you know that you are one?

"I still do not know if I am, I just do say whatI have to say to others. I have always been like that, I have hunger, I crave, I feel privileged and I have always wished to transfer these ideas to my younger teammates, just in order to spare them making the same mistakes I have made. In this sense, I am a leader." 

In Siena you were the indisputable leader, but here you have Di Vaio...

"Thank God! But it is untrue that I was the lone leader in Siena, you have forgotten Vergassolla, Maccarone. As of Di Vaio, I take pride for playing in his team. A youngster would watch him sprinting and will take him as an example, because Marco is a person you could learn something in any single moment. For me he could play 3-4 years more on top level. Still, it is evident that in case he stops scoring and getting the wins for us, we will send him out." (Smiling)

There are rumours that you are ready to drive a teammate to the wall, if he does not do his share. True? 

"It is. One must always gives his best, due to respect to the others and also because if he doesn't do it, he could damage not only me but my team. And in this case I go crazy. If one wants to do what he likes, one must go and play tennis." 

Let's say you find a teammate going out late at night...

"If he gives his maximum on Sunday and makes me win our game, I would not tell anything. But if he takes a stroll in the game, first I would take him away and will speak as a brother, and if he does not understand, for the good of the group, I would drive him to the wall."

Bologna players say that Portanova is a hard goodfella...

"I do not know the middle ways - I am either hardy hard or goody good. Let's say I am a goodfella, who will get really bad when is bad, and will not have fear from anyone."

And how long would you and Bologna be together?

"Until 2013. But if we arrive there, as for some 2012 the world ends..."

Excerpt from the interview for Corrierre Dello Sport

Portanova and Di Vaio are turning Bologna into a top 10 side, which is difficult to be beaten. The team lets few goals, and scores even less. So be aware to back them at home if odds are high, and watch out for games where Di Vaio will be unavailable, as they would be 100% unders.