World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta believes Italy need to focus on team cohesion if they are to progress in the EURO’s. The fomer Juve man was speaking to TMW ahead of the Azzurri’s last-16 match against Switzerland, and shared his thoughts on the current Azzurri squads chances:
Zambrotta, it’s been 18 years since the World Cup victory here in Germany. What emotions do you feel being here today?
“We’ve come of age… This is the first time I’ve returned here after that extraordinary victory. It’s a special emotion thinking back to the moments of that memorable, unforgettable day. They were extraordinary moments that will remain forever in the collective memory: with us, many Italian fans became World Champions in 2006. It’s an indescribable joy to be here today.”
What was the secret of that fantastic National team?
“The strength of the group. It was a very difficult, particular moment. We were coming from the Calciopoli scandal, and it was a bit of a revenge on our part for what was happening. We closed ranks, and there was a great leader like Coach Lippi. The strength of the group carried us through to the end.”
Moving to the present, what impressions has this journey given you?
“Positive impressions because we’ve advanced to the next round, this is certainly the positive part… We managed to advance at the last minute, there have been ups and downs, and in my opinion, we need more courage and boldness. I believe the match against Croatia was the last obstacle to being more mentally free. We hope it’s like this, even though Switzerland, as seen against Germany, is a team not to be underestimated.”
It’s said that Donnarumma is Italy’s only world-class player. What do you think?
“But there’s no need for world-class players. If in these competitions there’s a group, if there’s the strength of the whole squad that wants an objective and everyone cheers for the eleven who go on the field, everything becomes much easier. Donnarumma is certainly a great player, he has saved Italy in some circumstances, but in these tournaments you need much more than talent, you need the spirit and strength of a group.”
This Italy struggles to score. Can Scamacca and Retegui make the leap in quality?
“Unfortunately, reality says this: Retegui and Scamacca have created little, but not only because of them. Italy has struggled a bit more to create goal-scoring actions. If we look at the first game against Albania, there were 60-70 minutes of dominance, but then Italy suffered in the last part. Certainly less well against Spain, good after conceding a goal against Croatia. There are positive moments for Italy where several goal opportunities were created, while others where Italy wasn’t there in all aspects. The goal doesn’t depend only on the center-forward but on the entirety of what Italy manages to create. And then in the end, apart from all the talk, I believe the important thing was to advance to the next round, and in the end, we managed to do it.”
In your opinion, what is Italy’s objective?
“To reach the top four in Europe. Then from there, you play it out.”
Is Spalletti right to launch Fagioli?
“He has paid for off-field situations, he has served his time. He’s an intelligent boy, he has let out what he had and made his discomfort public. It’s okay to make mistakes, they can happen, but he’s a very interesting young man with technique and quality. We hope for him that this adventure with the National team can be a good springboard to continue on this path and to make a leap at Juventus as well. I like him a lot, he has great qualities, and I hope for him and for Italy that he can do well.”
What do you think of Juventus’ youth development path?
“Now Milan has also registered its second team, and I believe it’s an important step. Other Serie A teams should do it too to bridge the gap between the youth team and the first team. This can be a great help for our young players. Juve did it, and there have been results. Now there’s Milan, and I hope others can join. The Bianconeri team was the first, and we must give them credit for their work.”
What do you think of the choice of Thiago Motta?
“It’s the path of a new coach who wants to arrive and put his game ideas, his mentality on the table. We just need to give him time to work in the right way and in the correct manner. It’s a shame that the Allegri cycle has ended, he did a lot for Juventus, but in football, it’s like this: cycles begin and end. The hope is that a new cycle can be born at Juve with Motta.”
What will you feel today returning to the Olympiastadion in Berlin?
“Good question, I can tell you after… Surely there will be great emotions. I brought my twelve-year-old son to show him and tell him what his dad did that year. I try to pass on this tradition, the passion for football.”
Conte at Napoli, Motta at Juve, and Fonseca at Milan, who intrigues you the most?
“Conte at Napoli. I believe De Laurentiis has acquired the strong piece. In my opinion, Napoli needs a leader, and from this point of view, Conte is certainly similar to Spalletti. I’m sure he can give a lot to the club.”
