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Former Lazio and National team midfielder spoke exclusively to Soccer Magazine about the evolution of football and various Serie A teams.

In an exclusive interview with Soccer Magazine, Stefano Fiore analyzed the current moment of Italian football, reflecting on the technical and managerial changes that have transformed the game compared to his time.

The former midfielder of Lazio and the National team discusses topics such as the crisis of the Roman teams, Inzaghi’s legacy at Inter, De Bruyne’s management by Conte, and the possible arrival of Insigne at Lazio. Personal memories related to Totti and the 2000 European Championship are also shared.

Italian football between business and nostalgia

In recent years, the national team has struggled to qualify for the World Cup, Napoli has already won 2 Serie A titles, and the hierarchy of the big clubs sees Lazio and Roma much further behind. Reflecting on your playing days, what is your opinion on the current historical moment of Italian football?

“First of all, a lot has changed from a technical-tactical point of view, but above all managerial. I believe that today it is much more about business, and the focus is mainly on that, in the management of the team and finances. There is more head and less heart. Once there were owner presidents, today they are all multinational corporations, and sometimes you don’t even know who owns a company. Certainly, money reigns even more now. Even in my time, those who bought the strongest players naturally had a better chance of winning.

Today, clubs like Lazio and Roma – especially Lazio, because Roma has a financially prosperous club that invests a lot – struggle to stay consistently in the top four. In recent years, it has happened a few times, while in my time, we fought to win championships and for the positions that matter. Today, the fight is for the so-called “lesser” cups, but this is mainly due to the club structure and the investments the clubs can make.”

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Setback for Milan: Saelemaekers sidelined with hamstring injury. Out for at least a month, Athekame to step up and fill his shoes.

Alexis Saelemaekers was hitting his stride after two loan spells and finally returning to the team that owned his contract. His comeback was met with excitement, first through his words, then through his performances: the Belgian had become one of the key players in Massimiliano Allegri’s lineup.

However, during Belgium’s first match in the recent international break, the worst news arrived. In the game against North Macedonia, Saelemaekers suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg that, pending further assessments, will keep him off the pitch for at least a month, possibly longer.

A heavy blow for Milan, losing their number 56 just when he was in top form. All roads now lead to Athekame, tasked with carrying a burden far from light. Given the lack of alternatives in the position, the Tuscan coach hopes that the Swiss player signed from Young Boys last summer can overturn the lackluster impressions left in his early season outings. Until now, the few opportunities given had shown a player not quite ready yet — let alone having to replace one of the most in-form players in the squad.

Massimiliano Allegri pensa a Zachary Athekame ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )