Dybala relishing role in Palermo revival

With seven goals in 16 Serie A games, 21-year-old US Città di Palermo forward Paulo Dybala has been one of the brightest lights in the first half of the Serie A season, earning comparisons with Sergio Agüero.

Nicknamed 'La Joya' – The Jewel – in his native Argentina, the 2012 signing seems destined to follow in the footsteps of other South American players – notably Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore – who made their European bows with the Rosanero before going on to excel in the UEFA Champions League. UEFA.com meets the striker as he looks ahead excitedly to the new year.

UEFA.com: How are you enjoying this exciting time, for you and the team?

Paulo Dybala: Obviously I am extremely happy with how things are going. I am satisfied with my performances but mostly for the good results of the team. We are a newly promoted side but there is a great atmosphere in the squad and we are doing well. Our coach Giuseppe Iachini treats everybody the same way. I hope we continue on this path in the second part of the season.

UEFA.com: As a young player, how do you the handle the pressure of playing in Serie A?

Dybala: On the pitch I do not feel any pressure, I am always very calm, but honestly I do not feel the pressure off the pitch either. People in Palermo are very close to the team and to the players and I always try to make the fans happy with a photo or an autograph whenever I get the chance. In general, though, the fans in Palermo do not interfere, they let us live our lives.

UEFA.com: First Cavani and Pastore. Now you and Franco Vázquez. Palermo are making a habit of finding great talents in South America. What is the secret?

Dybala: I think their secret is that they respect the necessary time needed to adapt to a new kind of football. There is patience when things do not go immediately right, especially with youngsters. Young players are given the necessary time to mature. For us, especially for players coming from other leagues, this is crucial.

UEFA.com: Which footballer you would like to play with and which would you love to face?

Dybala: Obviously the first name that jumps into my mind is Lionel Messi, the best of all. However, a player I have been dreaming of facing is Ronaldinho, another great footballer, even if he is approaching the end of his career and I will not have many opportunities to play against him.

UEFA.com: Is it too soon for you to talk about playing in the UEFA Champions League?

Dybala: I prefer to focus on my work on the pitch, I do not like to talk or make promises. However, every day I try to earn myself the possibility to play in this great competition. It is a dream for me.

UEFA.com: Is there a chance you could play for Italy due to Italian roots?

Dybala: My grandmother's mother was from near Naples, so I love Italy, but I feel completely Argentinian. With all due respect to Italy, I would honestly prefer to wear the Albiceleste shirt of Argentina, which I feel is my own.

UEFA.com: What do you like most about the city of Palermo?

Dybala: The sea and the weather. When I first came to Palermo it was incredibly hot and when I saw the beaches of Mondello I quickly realised that I had arrived in paradise. I also love the desserts and sweets here, especially cannoli. The thing I miss most from back home is the meat.