ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hi Matteo! We are thrilled to welcome you to Yummy 8, and it's a pleasure to connect with you. How are you?

MATTEO-ANDREA POLINI. Hi! It is a great pleasure for me to be a part of Yummy8. I'm very excited about this project.

A.G.E. Hailing from the enchanting city of Brescia, nestled near the picturesque Garda Lake in Italy, what was it like growing up in such a dreamy and romantic place, and how did it shape your personality?

M.A.P. I grew up in the city, where I spent the winter, and in the summertime, my family and I would move to Garda Lake, where we have a little house close to the beach. This lifestyle gave me the opportunity, especially during my teenage years, to start teaching windsurfing and stand-up paddling, enabling me to interact with many new people from all over Europe and become a less introverted person. Last but not least, beach life taught me the importance of simple things, such as enjoying a beer with friends in front of the lake instead of going to a disco.

A.G.E. Transitioning from a professional football player to a successful model is quite a shift. What prompted this change, and how did you feel leaving behind your football career to pursue modelling?

M.A.P. I played football from my childhood until 2018. I had an enthusiastic career, and I'm very grateful for it. In the last period, I understood that what I was doing was no longer just a "game," and something inside me was changing—not in the way I aspired. I wasn't having fun anymore; it was almost becoming a burden. That's why I decided to stop playing football. In the same year, I sent some photos of myself to a Milan agency just for fun, and that's how my modelling career started.

A.G.E. Could you share your journey into the world of modelling and what aspects of the industry resonate with you the most?

M.A.P. What I love about this industry is the opportunity to travel around the world, discover new places, and meet people with different cultures. I really appreciate this aspect because I always learn new things from diverse cultures.

A.G.E. In addition to your modelling career, and as you just mentioned, you teach windsurfing and stand-up paddling on Garda Lake during the summer. How did you become involved in teaching these water sports? Can you share any enticing or thrilling moments from your experiences as a water sports instructor that made your heart race?

M.A.P. After stopping playing football, I was able to explore many other sports considered "dangerous" in a professional career. I started engaging in board sports, particularly windsurfing, stand-up paddle, and snowboarding. I love these kinds of sports because when you stand on the board, you are totally connected with nature and yourself. I remember very clearly when I broke my finger during a surf session. The leash twisted around my finger, and the incoming wave broke it.

A.G.E. Despite your busy schedule, you're also pursuing engineering studies at Brescia University. What led you to choose this specific field of study?

M.A.P. It's very simple—I love numbers and all the scientific stuff.

A.G.E. Let's delve into your experience with Yummy. How was the shoot with Sasha Olsen for Yummy 8, and what does it mean to you to be featured on the cover?

M.A.P. I shot for the first time with Sasha when he contacted me on Instagram. I couldn't believe I was getting offered this opportunity! I was so excited to shoot with him and for such an amazing magazine. It has been a beautiful experience. When Sasha told me that I was featured on the cover, I couldn't believe that they even put me on the cover for the first time I shot for Yummy!

A.G.E. Did the unique situation of shooting in a beautiful and cosy house, while being nude, make it particularly special for you?

M.A.P. I felt completely comfortable shooting naked, thanks to Sasha's incredible professionalism and the beautiful location. Honestly, the warm weather helped me a lot!

A.G.E. You were also selected to be a part of the first Dsquared2 X calendar. How does it feel to be featured in such a huge collaboration between these two legendary brands?

M.A.P. I still can't believe that I'm part of these two projects because when Sasha wrote to me, I received both pieces of news at the same time. Now, when I think about it, I realise that I am one of the 12 models selected from all over the world directly by Dean and Dan, and I ask myself if it's real.

A.G.E. Switching gears a bit, what does the term "yummy" signify to you personally?

M.A.P. For me, Yummy is an ode to male beauty.

A.G.E. On a more personal note, would you describe yourself as a romantic individual, or do you lean more towards being passionate?

M.A.P. I consider myself 50/50 but with very few people.

A.G.E. With your background in football, there's a lot of physicality involved. How do you think your athletic background has influenced your approach to sensuality, both in front of the camera and in your personal life?

M.A.P. I had to work a lot on myself, especially with the prejudices of the sports world. I can say that this approach in the modelling world helped me to have a different vision of masculinity and myself in a very specific way. In particular, I will always say thank you to Maurizio Montani for helping me in this process.

A.G.E. Have you ever had a particularly passionate or adventurous experience by the Garda Lake that you can share with us?

M.A.P. We have a motto at Garda Lake: "What happens in the Lake remains in the Lake."

A.G.E. Are there particular physical attributes in a person that catch your eye and serve as turn-ons for you?

M.A.P. Obviously, I like beauty, but a beautiful girl without personality, for me, is boring. I prefer a little imperfection in an interesting mind.

A.G.E. Finally, what dreams do you have that are still awaiting fulfilment? What motivates you to pursue these aspirations?

M.A.P. I hope to involve myself in the fashion industry and become a top model.