Walter Sabatini, the veteran football director, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Serie A and its top clubs in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite health challenges, Sabatini’s passion for football remains undiminished. “I’m much better. I’m not 100% yet, but I’m fighting. I watch all the matches I can because football is magic to me: I have the same thoughts, the same dreams as when I was a teenager. It’s not just entertainment, but an object of study. I hope to get back on track, but without anxiety,” he said.
Sabatini praised Serie A’s tactical evolution, stating, “I adore Serie A, which is undervalued, but from a tactical point of view, it’s the most evolved championship in Europe.” He noted that results have become less predictable, crediting this to the organization instilled by skilled managers.
Regarding Napoli’s current form under Antonio Conte, Sabatini was effusive: “Napoli has taken a path of great application and speed of thought. They play euphoric, fun, and remunerative football, scoring a lot.” He added, “Conte is a coach who always gets results. Without Conte, it would have been very difficult for Napoli to get out of the quicksand they were stuck in.”
On Juventus’s decision to appoint Thiago Motta over Antonio Conte, Sabatini opined, “I think Conte wouldn’t have had the same impact in Turin; returns are always risky.” He praised Motta’s approach: “Motta takes calculated risks. He manages perfectly, he didn’t want to be a phenomenon.”
Discussing Inter Milan, Sabatini said, “Yes, they’re perfecting the use of turnover to be able to aspire to both the Scudetto and the Champions League.” He commended Simone Inzaghi’s growth as a coach: “He’s completing his baggage, adding something every year, not stopping, updating himself.”
Sabatini expressed concern about AC Milan’s inconsistency: “I don’t see continuity: good moments and then a sharp drop within the same match. And there’s no solidity, the defensive phase is weak.” However, he defended coach Paulo Fonseca: “He’s not the problem: he’s a coach who knows how to make teams play well and is courageous.”
Regarding Roma’s current situation, Sabatini suggested regret over Daniele De Rossi’s dismissal: “I think so. The minimum is to regret it. Now there’s a lack of who’s in charge.” He criticized the club’s communication strategy: “You can’t take Roma away from the Romans: the lack of communication is a wrong and disrespectful choice.”
When asked about players he would pay to watch, Sabatini named two rising stars: “Two names outside the top clubs: Bernabé and Nico Paz.” He also praised Daniel Maldini: “He’s very strong. I told his dad Paolo that a while ago. He has personality, takes risks, and is proactive.”
Sabatini concluded with a hint at his future plans: “The best [signing] I still have to make. I have many ideas and I’ll tell you next time. But I’ll tell you this: I can’t leave football without having placed another five or six great players.”
