Serie A

We never lower the level of humility

Published

11 months ago

11/20/2024

Staff

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Gianfranco Zola touched on various topics, starting with Napoli-Roma in the upcoming matchday.

Gianfranco Zola, currently vice president of Lega Pro, gave an interview to Corriere dello Sport addressing numerous issues. From Sunday’s clash between Napoli and Roma, which also provided an opportunity for a trip down memory lane with Ranieri and Conte, to his reflections on Milan, the National Team, and the Lega Pro championship.

Below is an excerpt of his words.

Napoli-Roma, Zola’s Words

Gianfranco Zola recalls the times when he wore the number 10 shirt for Napoli, inherited from Diego Maradona. Speaking about the matches against Roma, he emphasizes: “They have always been beautiful and fought matches. Personally, I have also had satisfactions with Parma.”

Reflecting on the role of the number 10 in modern football, he explains: “Football has changed. There are different playing structures: today, everyone builds, even defenders. Playmakers have become wingers or forwards.”

Looking forward to Sunday’s clash at the Maradona, Zola expects a heated confrontation: “It will be another very fought match, there is a certain rivalry.”

On the possible outcome, he adds: “Both risk, each in their own way: it will be tough, even though Napoli seems favored due to the path and home advantage.”

Regarding Claudio Ranieri’s choice for Roma, Zola is confident: “It is the best choice. He knows the city well and can bring a lot of experience and serenity: in this historical moment, these are fundamental factors.”

He also comments on the recent technical choices of the Giallorossi club: “Without disrespect, the decision to let go of De Rossi surprised everyone a bit. Then Jurić arrived, a good coach who needs a certain time and certain players. They were particular choices.”

Giaccherini

About Antonio Conte’s choice for Napoli, he stated: “Absolutely the best choice after what happened a year ago.”

Speaking about the differences between the two coaches, Zola highlights: “Ranieri has a very important impact on the group with means and systems different from Antonio: one is more serene, calm, focuses on dialogue; the other is more intense, demanding, works a lot at a physical level. With different methods, they get the most out of the group. And this is what unites them.”

On the comparison between Kvaratskhelia and Dybala, Zola comments: “Kvara is very good: he is decisive with the ball, knows how to score and assist but also makes himself available to the team a lot. I have always liked this. Dybala is a fantastic player, with enormous football intelligence. He could have had more impact, unfortunately, he was limited by physical problems.”

Regarding McTominay: “One of the best signings of the last summer. In England, they can’t understand how United let him go.”

MILAN ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Statements on Milan, National Team, Champions League, and Lega Pro

Zola is satisfied with the championship: “Very nice, full of competition and without a master. Inter and Juventus are growing. Napoli will maintain this level until the end.”

He does not rule out Milan from the race: “Too early, no. It has great potential but needs to solve a few problems. My favorite remains Inter, but they will have a tough time.”

Regarding the National Team, Zola sees potential but with some reservations: “They are doing very well, but they need more ammunition from the youth sectors.”

Finally, on his experience in Lega Pro, he concludes by expressing enthusiasm: “I call it a paradise for young players. A championship where the youngest can learn and play at a good level, comparing themselves with more experienced players. It is an extraordinary experience.”

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Serie A

“We expect a team that will play their own style of football, where the ball is the focal point” – Football Style

Published

4 hours ago

10/24/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the big match against Napoli at Maradona.

No one is in better form than Inter. The Nerazzurri, coming off 7 consecutive victories in Serie A and Champions League, want to continue their great form in the big match against Napoli. The Maradona challenge, between the top two teams of last season, could determine new power dynamics at the top. Currently, both teams are tied on 15 points in the standings.

The match against Conte’s team also gives Inter a chance to redeem themselves after losing last season’s title to Napoli by just one point. On the eve of the game, Inter coach Christian Chivu spoke at a press conference. Here are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s Words

Napoli vs Inter

Match.

“We can’t make comparisons with last year but look at what happened last year: they won the league and we didn’t. The rivalry and ambitions are there.”

Rest Day.

“I don’t need to justify it, it seems normal to me. Sometimes, it’s the best training. We’re coming from a very intense period, it seemed right to take a break and give them a day with their families. I trust their professionalism.”

Can this game shape the season?

“It’s important, we’re only on matchday eight. We understand that a lot is at stake but not everything. We go with conviction and we must be prepared.”

Are you preparing something different?

“I’ve learned that all games should be treated equally to maintain continuity, you can’t afford to consider yourself superior to others or you won’t win. I’ve been in teams where training was harder than the matches but we always had the right attitude.”

Lautaro’s Partner.

Ange-Yoan Bonny and Lautaro Martinez (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

“For me, it doesn’t change anything, I have 4 compatible and generous strikers, if I mix them, the team’s performance remains the same. For me, there are no pairs, they have shown they can play together.”

Is it becoming harder to score in Serie A?

“I don’t see a problem, it means teams are well-prepared and so are the coaches. Abroad, there’s less concern about the opponent and more focus on the development of your own team. But it doesn’t mean that Italian football is declining or lagging behind, it’s a different way of interpreting it.”

Napoli is the team that beat them a year ago: is there a desire for revenge?

“I don’t think they have any chips on their shoulders. After Conte, there was Inzaghi and we won the second star and played two Champions League finals. I don’t think facing Conte is an extra motivation, we are Inter.”

Rotations.

“Diouf and Luis Henrique have played less so far but they have room for growth, I don’t consider them ready yet, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t given them the opportunity. Perhaps with many close games, I had less time to listen to them and explain things, but they have quality, I see it every day and there will come a time when they unlock and we’ll see them on the field more often.”

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Serie A

Lazio, injury alert: muscle strain for Tavares?

Published

8 hours ago

10/24/2025

Staff

La Lazio è in emergenza e, su questo, nemmeno lo stesso Maurizio Sarri si è nascosto.

Oltre a Pellegrini, Castellanos, Cancellieri, Rovella e Gigot potrebbe aggiungersi anche Tavares. Il rischio più concreto per il terzino portoghese potrebbe essere uno strappo.

Se il tecnico toscano sperava di poter avere certezze in difesa, in questo momento risulta molto difficile averne.

Per quanto riguarda la gara contro la Juventus, oggi Luca Pellegrini farà un test, dato che è alle prese con un edema a un ginocchio.

Isaksen prenderà il posto di Cancellieri, Dia sostituirà nuovamente Castellanos e per il resto la formazione sarà la stessa delle scorse giornate.

Lazio

Lazio, Tavares calato di rendimento

L’ultimo assist con i biancocelesti è arrivato contro la Real Sociedad in Europa League, lo scorso 23 gennaio.

In Serie A, invece, è persino più remoto: 31 ottobre 2024, contro il Como. Quasi un anno senza assist in campionato.

Lo stesso giocatore che, appena arrivato, era diventato una vera e propria macchina da assist. Naturalmente si è trattata di una grande overperformance, ma è un dato che ad ogni modo stupisce.

Difficile si possa tornare a qualcosa di simile in breve tempo. In questo momento la Lazio si trova al 12esimo posto in classifica.

Risultato altamente sotto le aspettative, ma con il blocco mercato e gli infortuni di certo Sarri non sta vivendo una stagione semplice.

The post Lazio, allarme infortuni: strappo per Tavares? first appeared on Calcio style.

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Serie A

Milan-Pisa: Possible Line-ups and Where to Watch

Published

12 hours ago

10/24/2025

Staff

AC Milan vs. Pisa will open matchday eight of Serie A. The San Siro match will take place tomorrow evening at 8:45 PM.

Matchday eight of Serie A kicks off, with the clash between AC Milan and Pisa headlining the fixtures.

The Rossoneri are top of the table with 16 points, while the Tuscan Nerazzurri are at the bottom with just three points.

It’s a classic top-bottom showdown, with two teams motivated by very different factors.

After a hectic European week, AC Milan restart their league campaign at home.

Following the victory over Fiorentina, Allegri’s men are looking for another win to temporarily extend their lead at the top.

The keyword, however, is humility, considering an opponent significantly inferior to the Rossoneri, but equally determined.

The Tuscan coach may give De Winter a starting spot in defense.

The same fate seems to await Ricci, who is likely to start in midfield alongside Fofana and Modric.

Finally, the attack will be led by Gimenez, with Leao supporting the Mexican.

Pisa’s Lineup

The Pisa team’s position is cause for concern, with just three points from the first seven games.

This poor performance reflects their last-place standing, highlighted by a 0-0 draw in the last round against Hellas Verona.

The offensive struggles of the Tuscans are evident, but Alberto Gilardino remains confident and sticks with Nzola up front.

The former Spezia player will be partnered in attack by Moreo, while the midfield likely to face San Siro will consist of Akinsanmiro, Marin, and Aebischer, with Toure and Leris on the flanks.

In goal, Semper retains his spot, supported by a defense of Canestrelli, Albiol, and Caracciolo.

Possible Lineups

AC Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Leao, Gimenez. Coach: Massimiliano Allegri

Pisa (3-5-1-1): Semper; Canestrelli, Albiol, Caracciolo; Tourè, Akinsamiro, Aebischer, Marin, Leris; Moreo; Nzola. Coach: Alberto Gilardino