Andrea Lombardo is a former professional Canadian footballer who played for various clubs in Italy and Canada while representing Canada at the youth international level. He is fondly remembered by Toronto FC supporters for playing a part during TFC’s first few years of existence as well as being a member of two Canadian Under-20 World Cup sides. We discuss with him his experiences in the beautiful game, his opinions on issues faced by the modern up and coming player as well as catching up on what he is currently doing.
Aldo: First off, I just wanted to say thank you for doing this Andrea – not many players can say that they have had as many unique experiences as you have had over the course of your career. Looking back, were there any moments that stood out to you as being particularly memorable?
Andrea: My pleasure Aldo. I would have to say I was lucky enough to have a lot of memorable moments thanks to my time playing in Italy, with TFC and with the Canadian youth sides.
Having the opportunity to travel the world and see places I would have never seen on my own while representing Canada playing the sport I love is something I will forever be grateful and indebted to the game for. Some of my greatest memories were certainly being part of the 2005 and 2007 U20 World Cup teams in the Netherlands and Canada, being part of the Brazil series where we defeated them on home soil and the Argentina game at BMO which is probably the best game I’ve ever played and followed it up with a very good 35 minute performance the next day against Chicago Fire in my first ever appearance for TFC after 90 minutes the night before. I have lots of good memories thanks to Canada.
Aldo: One of the first matches that I ever attended incidentally was that very same U20 international friendly at BMO Field which you mentioned, contested between Argentina and Canada in preparation for the 2007 U20 World Cup (a very exciting match might I add). What was it like competing in the 2007 U20 FIFA World Cup held on home soil in Canada?
Andrea: It was an unbelievable experience. Being able to say I took part and played in not only one but two U20 World Cups, one of which was on home soil is something I will always be extremely proud of. There is no better feeling than representing your country at the highest level and to add to it being in front of all your family and friends as well as fellow Canadians was awesome. We were all so disappointed we couldn’t deliver for the people at home with such a promising team with the likes of Asmir Begovic, David Edgar, Jaime Peters, Will Johnson and so many others.
In Italy, I’d say my fondest and most memorable moments were my debut for Atalanta in Bari in Serie B, experiencing the San Paolo of Napoli while a member of Perugia in C1 when Napoli was still climbing its way back to Serie A. Also, being able to say I played against players like Giovinco, Marchisio, Iuliano and also being teammates with players like Andrea Consigli, Marco Motta, Nicola Ventola was certainly amazing.
Aldo: You joined Toronto FC during their debut season at a pivotal moment in Major League Soccer history, a year which also saw David Beckham arriving from overseas – as a Toronto area native that must have been quite the homecoming. For fans, the early years of Toronto FC are fondly remembered for the atmosphere that was present rather than the outcome of the matches. How did you enjoy your two seasons with the club?
Andrea: With TFC, the entire experience was surreal. Having the opportunity to play for the expansion side and being able to say I was a part of the first ever TFC team is something I’ll be able to take with me forever. I am extremely happy to say I not only was a part of the club, but played in a large portion of the matches. The home opener, Diche’s (Danny Dichio) first goal and the seat cushion incident, my personal performances against Chicago, LA and Aston Villa would have to be high on the list of most memorable moments for me. Also, being able to say I shared a locker room with the likes of Diche, Jimmy (Brennan), Mo Edu, Robbo (Carl Robinson) just to name a few was an amazing experience.
Aldo: The treatment of young players in Major League Soccer has made leaps and bounds since your time in the league but still has a long way to progress before becoming ideal; what is the biggest difference between now and then?
Andrea: I think the difference really lies with the Academy setups now and the development of that. Clubs are developing and fostering the talent that they have locally which is mutually beneficial to both the players and the clubs.
Aldo: For aspiring young Canadian footballers there are now more opportunities than ever to develop and gain first team minutes what with three MLS and two NASL clubs, the aforementioned academies and also agreements in place between USL Pro and MLS sides in regards to loans. Would you have benefited from having these options available to you growing up?
Andrea: I was fortunate enough to always be blessed with good coaching from a young age. Carmine Isacco, is one of the most knowledgeable coaches I know and in my opinion it’s only a matter of time before the guy is working with the youth national team setups. Ontario Cup, National Championships, CIS national titles; he’s won it all. Most of all, he has a tremendous ability to build and foster relationships with his players which really makes you want to play for him. It’s no coincidence that a lot of the coaches at Vaughan Soccer Club are former players of his; people want to play for this guy and people want to work for this guy.
That being said, the growth of the professional game is nothing but good for today’s young players. The more stadiums are built, where people can go watch, cheer for, idolize players in person the better example it sets for our youth.
Aldo: How difficult was it making the decision to leave home at a young age and how did you end up in Bergamo; what drew you to Atalanta?
Andrea: I never actually thought twice about leaving. Once I started playing for the provincial team and national team I was really focused on going pro. I tried out at Coventry, Man City and Modena being offered places in Man City and Modena’s Academy at the age of 15. I chose Man City and lived and trained with them for four months before my work permit was denied. A friend of my father’s had a brother who was affiliated with Atalanta and they offered me a two day trial; quite a long shot. Regardless, we flew there visited family and trained there for two days and I was invited back for a scrimmage on Thursday against the older team. I ended up scoring two goals in a 2-1 win, signed a deal, came back for three weeks to get my stuff and moved there. The decision was really a no brainer since Atalanta has one of the best academies in Italy, my only wish was that I had gone earlier.
Aldo: Did it make any difference that you were a Canadian, albeit an Italian-Canadian plying your trade in Italy?
Andrea: It’s funny in Canada I’m seen as Italian but in Italy I was seen as Canadian or “Americano” even though I would always correct them and say I’m Canadian not American. I integrated easily.
Aldo: While on the Atalanta Primavera squad, some of your teammates included the likes of Marco Motta and Andrea Consigli as you noted, both of who have gone on to play many years in Serie A. The captain of that team was in fact Piermario Morosini, who tragically passed away almost two years ago in the midst of a league match for Livorno against Pescara. What was your relationship like aside from him being the captain of the squad?
Andrea: He was a quiet leader. We played one season together with the Primavera side and half of a season training together with Atalanta’s first team. He was a great person, quiet but when he spoke everyone would listen. He is definitely missed by all those who are around him.
Aldo: What are you up to these days now that you have stepped away from professional football?
Andrea: Currently, I work at York University in the Admissions and Student Recruitment area as a Student Recruitment Officer. I travel and speak to students and share my story with them of how I eventually earned my degree after my playing days in the hopes of getting them to apply and enrol at York. I am also pursuing my Master’s degree in Post-Secondary Education part-time.
I’m still very much involved in the game. I am a trainer at Vaughan Soccer club and also a coach there along with my good friend Franco Ruscetta of the u14 OYSL boys team. I also serve as a professional match evaluator for the league (MLS) and after watching games from the touchline at BMO [I] write match reports within 48 hours of matches to Major League Soccer on the performances of the Referee, Assistant Referees and 4th official at TFC home games.
Lastly, I split season tickets with a few friends of mine so when I’m not on the sidelines on behalf of the league I’m at TFC games just enjoying the football and Toronto.
Aldo: Why did you choose to pursue a university degree following the conclusion of your time with Toronto FC?
Andrea: I wasn’t able to sign on with any other professional teams after getting released from TFC and Carm (Isacco) had contacted me to give me the option of pursuing my education if nothing materialised on the soccer front so I decided to jump on it. Maybe I should have tried to pursue more trials for a year or so, but I made a decision and stuck with it. No regrets.
Aldo: Do you have any plans to return to the game perhaps in a different role at some point?
Andrea: I enjoy giving back and coaching young players for now. When I started playing soccer at four years old it was never with the intention of becoming a pro; my parents enrolled me to keep me out of trouble, for love of the game and for physical exercise. Over the years, I honed my craft and becoming a pro kind of just happened naturally. If that happens one day with coaching so be it, but for now I enjoy where I’m at and I think it’s important to stay involved in the game and share my knowledge with today’s youth.
Aldo: Lastly, what is the most important lesson that you have taken from your professional footballing career?
Andrea: I’d share two important lessons:
1. Never take it for granted. One day it’s there and the next day it may not be.
2. The hard part isn’t getting there, it’s staying there.
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