Walter Sabatini, the seasoned football director known for his keen eye for talent, recently shared his insights on the current state of Italian football, transfer market expectations, and the importance of nurturing young players. At 69, Sabatini remains passionate about the game and unfiltered in his opinions.
Regarding the January transfer window, Sabatini expects it to be a period of integration rather than major acquisitions. He believes Italian teams are generally strong and improving, with only minor adjustments needed. For instance, he suggests Milan might need a midfielder, while Juventus could look for a backup striker for Vlahovic.
Sabatini expressed strong views on the situation at Roma, praising Claudio Ranieri’s arrival as a blessing that covers evident management flaws. He was particularly critical of the treatment of Daniele De Rossi, calling it “a football blasphemy” and “odious, illogical, and wrong in every aspect.”
On the competitiveness of Serie A, Sabatini boldly claimed, “I think ours is the most difficult championship in the world. People talk about the Premier League, but ours is the most competitive tournament. There’s tactics here, and we’re also improving technically.”
He emphasized that talent is far from dead in Italian football. “Talent will never die. It’s the purest essence of the game,” Sabatini stated. He advocated for better youth development, encouraging children to dribble and create superiority on the field rather than discouraging individual flair.
Sabatini stressed the importance of patience in developing talent, citing Platini’s initial struggles in Italy before becoming a legend. “You need to nurture talent, not just throw it out there and wait,” he advised.
Discussing current Serie A contenders, Sabatini praised Atalanta and their coach Gasperini, considering them genuine title contenders. However, he still views Inter Milan as the favorites, describing them as “the most complete team” with essentially two full squads at their disposal.
Sabatini also highlighted Napoli’s potential under new management, praising their recent signings, particularly Scott McTominay, whom he rates as one of the top three midfielders in the league. He commended Fiorentina and Lazio for their transfer activities as well.
On the topic of Ederson, a player he discovered, Sabatini credited Gasperini for transforming him into a complete player. “He excels in both phases of the game, and if we look carefully, we see how he never takes him off. For me, it was love at first sight,” Sabatini reminisced.
Addressing the changing role of sporting directors, Sabatini firmly believes in the position’s enduring importance. “The sporting director will never die. He’s a mediator of feelings, the glue between the team, the club, and the fans,” he asserted. While acknowledging the growing use of algorithms in scouting, Sabatini maintains that the human eye will always prevail.
When asked to recommend a sporting director to a club president, Sabatini, with characteristic confidence, named himself: “Walter Sabatini. I don’t use interviews for self-promotion, but if you ask me for a name… I’ll give you the best one.”
