Legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro has sparked a conversation about the evolution of football tactics by comparing Pep Guardiola’s modern approach to that of his former coach, Alberto Malesani. In a recent interview with Paolo Gallo on Youtube , Cannavaro praised Malesani as a pioneer who was ahead of his time, implementing strategies that resonate with what Guardiola is now celebrated for.
Reflecting on his time at Parma, where he won multiple trophies under Malesani, Cannavaro stated, “What Pep Guardiola tells his players now, Malesani was telling us in 1998.” He emphasized Malesani’s innovative methods, saying, “He was a genius. He understood how to integrate the goalkeeper into our play and gave defenders the freedom to advance.”
Cannavaro fondly recalled the talented squad at Parma, which included stars like Lilian Thuram, Hernán Crespo, and Gianluigi Buffon. He remarked on their dominance during that era: “We had a wonderful team that could destroy opponents. In the UEFA Cup final, we beat Marseille 3-0 and had remarkable victories against teams like Bordeaux and Galatasaray.”
Despite Malesani’s brilliance, Cannavaro suggested that one reason he may not have achieved greater success as a coach was his lack of playing experience at the highest level. “When an coach hasn’t played professionally, some players don’t fully believe in them,” he explained. However, he expressed gratitude for Malesani’s impact on his career: “He gave me valuable advice and helped shape my understanding of the game.”
Cannavaro also opened up about his challenging time at Inter Milan following his transfer from Parma. He shared a poignant moment from his career when he suffered a serious injury: “After two months at Inter, I broke a bone in my foot. I wanted to keep playing, but it was a mistake. I didn’t realize how serious it was until I could no longer feel 75% of my leg.” He recalled telling then-coach Roberto Mancini, “I can’t go on like this; I need to stop.”
Ultimately, Cannavaro found success after moving to Juventus, where he enjoyed a revitalized career. “At Juve, I played 38 matches in one season and received only three yellow cards,” he said with a chuckle. “People thought it was because I played for Juventus!”
In discussing the current state of football and coaching philosophies, Cannavaro highlighted the importance of winning at clubs like Juventus. “At Juve, you need to convey the hunger to win; otherwise, you won’t last long,” he asserted. This mindset reflects not only his personal experiences but also the expectations that come with playing for one of Italy’s most storied clubs.
