We asked Materazzi who is gonna win the World Cup

A wall of sneakers in the background and She - the World Cup trophy - shining in the middle of the room. We are from Space 23 in Corso Como in Milan, where we meet Marco Materazzi who for the occasion brought his World Cup in the Milanese sneaker and sportswear shop, part of the chain that he founded together with Stefano Mancinelli.
The cup is in miniature (it is the one that gives to every World Champion player) and it can not start a series of flashbacks and memories of that summer of 2006 in which Materazzi's headers assured us the glory.
We sit together with Marco and we promise each other that we will not talk about 2006 but only about the 2018 World Cup.

#1 Let’s start off with the big question: who will win the 2018 World Cup?

Of course, the front-runner is Brazil, even though also Croatia and England are very interesting, this could be a surprising World Cup.

#2 Who’s the breakthrough player of the cup?

Harry Kane, even though he’s not exactly a newcomer… Then there’s Coutinho, me being an Inter fan he’s a big regret. Among the lesser known players, there’s Golovin, Russia’s playmaker.

#3 The defender that could be this World Cup Materazzi?

John Stones, who’s already scored two goals.

#4 This World Cup is all about fashion: the hype for the Nigeria jersey, adidas nostalgia and everything else. You’ve always been a big jersey enthusiastic, which one is your favorite?

Nigeria!!!!! No, I’m just kidding, I would say Brazil or England.

#5 One of the big absentees of the Cup is the Belgian player Radja Nainggolan, who just a few days ago joined Inter team. What do you think of Inter’s decision?

I think they’re working very well and they’ve been smart, Nainggolan is an amazing player, but we can’t forget De Vrij and Asamoah too. Moreover, Spalletti knows his players better than last year, he must win this championship now, I hope next season it will finally happen with FC Inter.

#6 The other big absentee of the World Cup is obviously Italy. Roberto Mancini – who you know very well – is in charge of Italy’s re-rising: what’s your take on this Federation’s decision?

We have a great opportunity and responsibility, because when you don’t qualify for a World Cup you need to start over. Among all the players, I appreciate especially Pellegrini, Verratti and Insigne. Without forgetting Mario (Balotelli, ed.), who has a great opportunity and has to take advantage of it.