The former 2006 world champion defender: “It’s not difficult to restructure a club if you put the right people in the right roles. Today there is too much tactics, at 12-13 years old we talk about schemes and modules when instead we should be developing genius and dribbling”
Alessandro Nesta signs blue number 13 shirts and does the same with the white ones of Milan: the Italian fans in New York have a great sense of national belonging, as well as a widespread Rossoneri faith. Time has passed but the Italy that wins, with the exception of the European Championship, remains that of 2006. The same goes for Milan: and Nesta was the protagonist of both. Here he is among the most acclaimed; in Toronto, the first stop for the blue legends, he was playing at home: he had lived in Canada during the season with the Montreal Impact. In New York it is time to reflect and not only because the Azzurri attend Don Luigi’s morning mass with participation. Nesta is sitting next to Pirlo, with whom he has experienced hundreds of battles on the pitch.
Sandro Nesta
Former defender
Born in ’76, he won the 2006 World Cup with Italy. With Milan 2 Champions League, 3 championships and an Intercontinental. Today he coaches Avellino
Nesta, surprised by the affection of the Italian community?
“Actually not that much, because having lived and played in North America I know very well the warmth of our compatriots. Being here was a necessary act after the World Cup disappointment, we responded immediately to President Infantino’s ‘summons’.”
Why is the national team that Italians are fond of still yours?
“After us there was a void, no success apart from the European Championship. We were part of a sensational generation and what’s more we won. Today there are no longer iconic players like those who were part of our group, and obviously the results affect the judgement.”
After us there was a void, no success apart from the European Championship. We were part of a sensational generation and what’s more we won
Did you also ask yourself why?
“Several factors have contributed together. We have lost our Italian identity and we have gone about ripping ourselves off, at the same time there has been a lack of interest from clubs in young players. And it must also be said that clubs are not protected: perhaps they invest in kids for years and years and then have them taken away. If we really want to focus on youth clubs we also need new laws to protect them. And combined with this: the players must be given the freedom to express themselves. Today there is too much tactics, already from the age of 12-13 we are talking about schemes and modules when instead we should be developing genius and dribbling. Today, if you ask me the term, we raise farm chickens, all the same, good at dribbling but without creativity.”
The same happens for Serie A: the most recognized faces in the world are still yours. Why haven’t we been able to renew ourselves?
“Things proceed hand in hand. The national team loses interest because it doesn’t win and strong players are attracted to other leagues, when once everyone’s dream was Serie A. We haven’t managed to build a League that travels on its own legs, we are spoiled children of families like Berlusconi, Moratti, Sensi. Since then we haven’t evolved, especially in terms of stadiums and infrastructure as they have been able to do elsewhere.”
It also applies to your Milan: did you expect the final descent with Allegri?
“Max has responsibilities, as do all the players. But Milan’s real problem was the great confusion within the club. At the same time, and for the same reason, I don’t think it’s difficult to put things right.”
Where does your confidence come from?
“It’s not difficult to restructure a club if you put the right people in the right role. Everyone has precise tasks and responsibilities: we start again like this, with clear prospects.”
You shared the Rossoneri locker room with Ibrahimovic: did you have further contact?
“I have a very good relationship with Zlatan but I can’t judge him as a manager. He was a very strong teammate, that’s for sure. But the order you need in a club must come from the top and I repeat, I don’t see it as very difficult.”
Does the new Milan need a great striker or a great defender?
“Absolutely a great center forward.”
Do we also need much else to finally get back competitive in the championship?
“But no. I believe that the base of the team is already strong as it is, the potential is there. A good goalkeeper, Pavlovic who has grown a lot, a good midfield. Then it also depends on what happens on the transfer market in the summer.”
Coach’s view: what type of coach would you entrust the leadership of the new course to?
“Everything must start from the sporting director. With a capable sporting director, who chooses a good coach to his liking and together they define a line to achieve results, they can manage to do it even in a short time.”
Championship grid: first projections for who will be ahead of the others?
“Inter in front, Napoli to watch. In my opinion, Milan, restructured in the right way, can immediately finish second.”
We’re back here for the World Cup: your favourites?
“It will be the France-Spain final.”
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