Gianfranco Zola believes it will be a duel between Bologna and Roma for the top four this season, while Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio have been ‘disappointing’. The Cagliari and Chelsea legend gave an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport and talked about the Serie A season to date, and how he thinks the final part of the season will go:
How do you see this Champions League race?
“There are still 9 games to go, anything can happen, but I believe that, in the long run, the duel will narrow down to Bologna and Roma. They are the strongest.”
What do you like about Bologna?
“I saw them live against Cagliari, and they impressed me with their performance on the field. Bologna is a genuine, well-organized reality: the players know what they have to do. It’s a pleasure to watch them, Thiago Motta’s team, and it’s good for Italian football.”
Surprised by Motta’s growth?
“He’s a coach who has improved and is now complete. He has corrected some mistakes in the defensive phase, and his game ideas are clear.”
And then there’s a certain Zirkzee.
“Excellent center-forward, who finishes and participates in the play. But it’s not just him: I think of Orsolini and Ferguson. Motta has a solid group.”
Roma, with De Rossi’s arrival, has turned the corner.
“For me, the surprise was before: why wasn’t it expressing itself according to its qualities? I don’t know what happened with Mourinho, but now with De Rossi, you see Roma on the field, and you immediately understand that there are precise principles. I’m glad because I consider Daniele an excellent coach.”
Atalanta, as every year, is up there at high altitude.
“It’s a continuation of a journey. They, at the beginning of each season, incorporate some young players into the group, help them grow, and in the end, reap the rewards. Gasperini is excellent and has managed to revitalize Scamacca and De Ketelaere.”
Napoli also seems to be on the rise.
“With Calzona on the bench, they have regained their maneuver and game development. But they still concede too much defensively. Last year we were used to seeing Napoli strong both in attack and defense. Not anymore…”
A pity to have squandered what was achieved with the title.
“At the beginning, things could have been done better. Now it’s necessary to gradually regain those principles that allowed us to win last year.”
In theory, even Fiorentina and Lazio could join the Champions League race.
“It’s possible. I like Fiorentina’s team. They have excellent ball possession, perhaps lack finishing. And this often pushes many players beyond the ball line, creating imbalance. If they had a striker scoring 15-20 goals, they would be fine.”
Disappointed by Lazio?
“Quite, because I expected more after last year’s exploit. The problem is that if you sell someone like Milinkovic-Savic and don’t replace him, it’s inevitable to face some disappointment. Milinkovic provided both game and goals. Now let’s see with Tudor on the bench: it will take time, and the fans will need to be patient; it will be a radical change.”
Let’s look a bit higher in the standings. Inter is heading towards the 20th title. Will it be a problem for the opponents to close the gap?
“The gap is indeed considerable. Inter, this season, has raised the bar, and I don’t think they intend to lower it, meaning they won’t sell their best players. A well-organized team, and the club itself is at a high level. It will be up to the others, Milan, Juventus, Roma, to raise the bar instead.”
Speaking of Juve, would you confirm Allegri?
“It’s up to the club to decide.”
Does Milan have what it takes to secure the second spot?
“Yes, it’s there on merit. It has good players, starting with Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic coming from Chelsea. It can maintain the second spot and then think about strengthening.”
Always with Pioli on the bench?
“I wouldn’t have doubts if I were a Milan executive. Pioli won a title leading a team that was neither the favorite nor the best. I don’t understand the criticisms that have rained down on him. Milan has had its ups and downs, but it’s normal.”
