Get to Know Junior Matteo Bennati

Saturday, October 19

East Lansing, Mich.

Ohio State

6-7-1, 1-3-1

Michigan State

3-7-3, 3-1-1

Ohio St.

Michigan St.

Get to Know Junior Matteo Bennati

10/19/2019 12:13:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

ADDITIONAL INFO

Matteo Bennati

Year: Junior

Hometown: Genova, Italy

Major: International relations & diplomacy

Why did you come to Ohio State? What made you pick the Buckeyes over other schools?

Many reasons made me pick Ohio State over other schools. First and perhaps most important was the greatness of the athletics department, then the coaching staff, the academic prestige and the Big Ten Conference.

What is the most memorable moment of your Ohio State career thus far?

I have been here only for one semester, so the victory of the Columbus Crew Spring League was probably the most memorable moment so far. I'm sure it will be replaced soon though.

What does it mean to you to be a Buckeye?

It means great pride. It means happiness. It means a beautiful memory that I'll carry on for all my life.

In your opinion, what is the biggest reason that the team has had success this season?

Definitely the relationships that we built over the spring and the summer, surely the coaching staff's work behind the scenes, and ultimately the commitment of each and every single one of us.

You are down at the half in a big game and the team is beaten down, who of your teammates stands up and delivers the speech to hype everyone up for the second half?

Parker (Siegfried), who is the captain, is the one who would step up. CC Uche who is now injured, would also be the motivator if he was to be on the field.

What does your pregame routine look like before a game? Do you have any superstitions?

Not really, I try to eat a soft meal so that I can digest it properly before the game, but that's pretty much it.

How do you keep yourself entertained on road trips?

Hanging out with the boys is the funniest thing you can get from road trips. We laugh a lot when we get all together.

Other than soccer, did you play any other sports growing up?

Not reallly. I skied a bit in the winter and did Savate (French boxing) for a year.

If you had the opportunity to play one sport other than soccer at Ohio State, what would it be and why?

I would probably go for football just for the atmosphere that the fans are able to create on game day. I think it is a game changer when you are an athlete.

Are you a fan of international soccer? Is there a league or team that you closely follow?

I support Genoa which is my hometown team and plays In Series A.

Do you follow Major League Soccer? Do you have a team you root for? How did you come to follow them?

I started to get more involved when European players came over to play in MLS, but I don't support any. I have always been fascinated by the two Los Angeles teams though.

Who is your favorite professional soccer player? Do you have a favorite professional athlete outside of soccer?

I don't really have a favorite athlete, but I really admire Cristiano Ronaldo's professionalism.

Do you have aspirations to play professionally?

Yes I do. Though, I have two years left and I'll try to get in the draft, but if it doesn't happen, I'm happy with what I am studying.

Is there someone that you try to model your game after? Could be a professional, teammate, etc.

Not really. I think confidence and positivity are the main and most important factors to be a winning team, so I work on that.

What person and or event has had the most influence on your life? Why?

Lots of people have had a great impact in my life so far. Obviously my parents raising me, then my first coach in the U.S., Bryan Green, people I met when I was playing USL League, two in New Jersey, now Coach Maisonneuve and the guys in the team. I consider every person that I built I strong relationship with, very important.

How much do you think you have learned about the game since your freshman year? What is the biggest difference that you see in yourself?

I came to the U.S. when I was already 20 years old, I can't say my growth came only from college soccer. Though, I definitely learned a lot since my freshman year, and if I'm now here at Ohio State it is also thanks to the matureness that I got in my first two seasons of college soccer.

How much has Coach Maisonneuve helped you grow and develop your game?

Tremendously. I learn something every day from him, and I improve after every practice, video sessions or talks on the bus that we have. I consider him a professor.

What aspect of your game do you feel gives you an advantage over your opponents?

I think my confidence and my being unpredictable on the field are my two biggest strengths

If you could achieve anything in your sport while in college, what would it be?

Win the Big Ten Conference, make the all-conference top eleven, and obviously play in the College Cup.

How do you keep yourself fit and conditioned in the offseason?

I keep playing soccer, and try to stay fit, because the season is short and starts right away when you come back.

What do you like to do in your free time? Are you a gamer, involved in organizations, etc.

I like to listen to music, watch documentaries, and learn generally. I believe knowledge is one of the most beautiful and important things in life.

How did you choose your major? Do you have any minors?

I have always been interested in global politics, current events, and careers in the United Nations. My minor is studies of western countries.

Do you plan on pursuing more education (i.e. graduate school) after you graduate from Ohio State?

I don't know yet, but it is a possibility. It will depend on many things.

What do you plan to do with your major? Do you have a career in mind?

I plan on working internationally for the United Nations or the Italian government. It is a long way to go, but I am sure that is what I want to do and become

Is there a dream job within your field of study that you would love to have?

Working as Italian Ambassador at the United Nations is probably what I would like the most.

If you could give one reason why fans should come out and support your team, what would it be?

I would tell them that they are as important as a teammate when playing a soccer game. Having people cheering on you while you are playing makes you feel great and confident. Fans are the 12th man on the field when playing soccer.