Elena Linari, All Blacks fanatic, plays the World Cup in the country she loves

For Elena Linari, the joy of playing the World Cup in New Zealand goes a little further than soccer. At 29, the Roma midfielder plays for Italy, who will compete against Argentina on Monday 24 July, the second World Cup of her career. But this one, on the other side of the world, is more important to her. Passionate about rugby and the All Blacks, Linari has had a lifelong dream, or almost, of discovering New Zealand.

Elena Linari’s love for the oval ball comes from her childhood and from her father. Diego Linari played rugby like football in his youth at school. “Rugby is a very physical sport, but also a noble sport, so I tried to teach her and make Elena understand her. Over time, I think I was able to convey to her the pleasure I get when I play it.”He says today.

Little Elena is tired of the oval game. Every year, father and daughter follow and push behind the Six Nations Championship Squadra Azura. Elena Linari also develops a passion for New Zealand players. “Whenever we talk about rugby the All Blacks are always mentioned as the best team, so whenever possible we watched matches together.”, tells the father, who takes the opportunity to teach his daughter, deciphering the rules, the tactics, and the movements of the players on the floor. In an interview, Linari does not hesitate to cite Jonah Lomo among his sports heroes.

Fern tattoo on the body

By extension, the player was also interested in New Zealand culture and life. “Elena is a very curious girl about things that fascinate her. New Zealand is a destination where many sports are played at a high level, and this interests her a lot”Diego Linari abounds.

Biting, she had a fern leaf tattooed on her leg, the emblem of the All Blacks, but also a Maori symbol. “She will be playing on the grounds used for rugby matches, and I know that will give her more excitement.”had been moved. “I feel very happy to go and play the World Cup in the All Blacks”said the player on the FIFA website last March.

“When the team qualified for the World Cup and learned they were going to play in New Zealand, Elena thought she could meet the players, or at least see them play on their home soil.”She remembers her father who immediately feared that his daughter would not be able to fulfill her dream because of all her obligations.

On Saturday 15th July, Elena Linari was in attendance with a few colleagues at the bays of Mount Smart Stadium to watch the Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and South Africa. Before her World Cup kicks off in the legendary Eden Park, about ten kilometers away.