Andrea “Pericolo” Dilluvio 🇮🇹 is the ADC of ZENA Esports, joining the team for this Summer Split.
For several years, he played in Tormenta and BTL teams such as Astroducks, AVE Axolotl, and Gulls Academy.
In this Split, he made his debut in a major league, a choice that initially sparked much debate in the community but proved to be a winning one for ZENA.
I had the chance to chat with him about these LAN finals in Montecatini Terme.
It’s been an incredible year for you Andrea, from playing in BTL with Astroducks and finishing sixth, to winning LIT in just 3 months. How does it feel to make such a leap in so little time?
ZENA Pericolo: Seen from the outside, it may look like a huge leap, and in fact it was: I found myself facing opponents of the highest level.
The environment and the coaching staff at ZENA helped me a lot to grow and to bring out my strengths.
The goal wasn’t so much victory itself, but rather to face every opponent with respect, step by step.
Unfortunately, from the outside people often only see the final results, but for me, it’s the journey that really makes the difference.
I know I still have a long road ahead and I hope to replicate this result to prove it wasn’t just a fluke.
The ZENA coaching staff has been getting a lot of praise lately, especially for building a complete year-long program. In your opinion, what’s their main strength?
ZENA Pericolo: Each of them did their job to the fullest.
Syklash, with his very authoritative approach, managed to get our five minds aligned, guiding us through drafts and game plans.
Franz, thanks to his great individual qualities, keeps working on the players’ bad habits.
Kraven has been impeccable in organizing scrims and managing schedules.
On the social side, everyone has been fantastic, bringing a real burst of energy to the team.
Fom the coaching staff I want to mention Druk, who was always available and crucial in helping us bond and prepare for the bootcamp.
Each one was truly indispensable.
Talking about the drafts in the finals, how do you think the champion selections went, especially in the series against Colossal? How much preparation went into that series as a team?
ZENA Pericolo: The drafts, in my opinion, went well, although maybe in the last one we relied a bit too much on instinct with some picks.
As for preparation, we were all very focused: the goal was to find ourselves in our comfort zone with champions we know best.
There was also real work studying the CG players: for example, Archfiend knew Mietek’s style well, while Inzuh knew Tyrone and Vigil.
Some of this information turned out to be crucial.
I believe our mindset made the difference: we were completely focused and that allowed us to give 110%.
On stage, you seemed much more comfortable than your opponents. Was the presence of the crowd a help for you? How would you describe the feelings you experienced while playing to the fans?
ZENA Pericolo: This was my first real LAN and, once the draft started, everything around me disappeared: I only saw the screen and heard my teammates’ voices.
The team’s adaptation was extraordinary, and that’s why the crowd pressure didn’t affect me.
The strongest emotions came before and after the games: there were so many people and for a moment I felt like the main character of the show.
But in my head, the only expectation I didn’t want to let down was my own.
The crowd’s support for your team was incredible. What was it like for the team to receive so much cheering?
ZENA Pericolo: During breaks, the chants and stomps echoed in my ears and were clearly distinguishable.
I had the pleasure and honor of wearing this jersey, and the crowd made its colors shine even brighter.
I loved them from the first to the last, and I think the whole team can confirm that.
Thanks so much for the support.
There were many people asking for your autograph and who really wanted to meet you to support you. What would you like to say to them?
ZENA Pericolo: Their warmth definitely reached me, it was a real pleasure to hug them and give them a decent show, I won’t let them down in EMEA.
Unfortunately, just like there are fans, there are also haters. What would you like to say to those who didn’t believe in you and still don’t, sometimes even aggressively
Each one of us gave our all to achieve this success.
I admit I read a few unpleasant comments, but I have nothing to do with people who don’t bring real arguments: those are just empty words and they don’t affect me at all.
I don’t understand all this “resentment” towards one team instead of another: in the end, we’re all here to enjoy some great matches.
In fact, in my opinion, seeing different teams fighting for first place should only make the scene more exciting, don’t you think?
I can’t wait to face other strong teams and, why not, even to be beaten.
As for the opposing subs, at that moment we were simply the best, and that’s why we lifted the trophy.
