ROME – Comments from Filippo FILIPPELLA (ITA) after the group phase of the Traditional Cup at the FISTF World Cup in Rome on Friday.
On playing at the World Cup:
“For me it’s a new thing because I have never participated in a world or European elite championship. I am very happy to be here even if I am not that well trained.”
On playing at a World Cup at home:
“The atmosphere here in this venue is exciting. It’s a beautiful venue despite being a bit outside Rome, but it’s pleasant. It’s good to have such an event in the capital.”
On losing to his brother Christian FILIPPELLA (USA) in training earlier in the week even though his brother doesn’t usually play traditional Subbuteo:
“Yes, he won even though he plays more table football (than traditional rules) but just because I am not so trained. I didn’t play much but maybe he is now more competitive than I am.”
On the popularity of Subbuteo compared with table football in Italy:
“Subbuteo is much more popular than table football in Italy because it has many players who have been playing it since it was introduced. And this movement managed to be carried on over the years.
FISTF News nl/gg/spd