Nadir Zortea is a name that stands out, not just for its uniqueness but also for the story behind it. Hailing from the tiny village of Zortea in Trentino, Italy, with a population of just around a hundred, it’s hard to imagine his journey in football being anything but remarkable. Born in Feltre, Zortea always had an impressive presence on the pitch, starting as a full-back and transforming into a wing-back known for his incredible speed.
At just 14 years old, he caught the attention of Atalanta, but his time there didn’t pan out as expected. Over the years, Zortea found himself on loan to several clubs, including stints in Bolzano, Salerno, Sassuolo, Vicenza, and Frosinone. His recent spell has been particularly fruitful, with standout performances that included an impressive debut match against Cagliari, where he truly captured attention.
The turning point in Zortea’s career came this July when he signed permanently with Cagliari. The move was facilitated by the arrival of coach Davide Nicola, who previously worked with Zortea at Salernitana. Zortea reflected on his time at Atalanta, expressing relief at leaving a place where he felt no connection. “I was always on loan, and it just wasn’t for me. When you’re not part of something greater, it weighs heavily,” he admitted. He felt that Cagliari offered something different: a sense of community and belonging, which he did not experience in his previous clubs.
In comparing the training styles of Nicola and Gasperini from Atalanta, Zortea noted the intensity both coaches demand. While he acknowledged that Gasperini’s training focuses more on open play, Nicola’s approach emphasizes intensity and aggression. Zortea has made it clear that he values the club’s commitment to him, stating that the eagerness he felt from Cagliari was something he lacked in Bergamo.
Offensively inclined, Zortea sees himself as adaptable, capable of playing on the left flank and looking up to players like Theo Hernandez as role models. His time under Nicola has not only honed his physical skills but also his mental approach to the game. “I’m here to push my teammates forward in this intense work we’re doing,” he said, confident that they are heading in the right direction.
With a renewed sense of purpose at Cagliari, Nadir Zortea is ready to prove his worth and make a significant impact in Italian football, embracing the challenge ahead with both excitement and determination.
