On his 50th birthday, September 14, Italian legend Carlo Cannavaro gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the Italian national team, his career, and other topics.
What kind of Italian team are you seeing now?
"Spalletti is one of the best coaches for a team on the rise. The biggest thing I expect from this national team is to see a motivated and energized team. In the midfield we have Locatelli and Fratessi. Aside from scoring goals, the latter has shown tremendous growth. On top of that, Barella and Tonali distributed the quality and physicality of our players well. Then there's Raspadoli, who is the basis for opening up space tactically."
Defense still needs adjustments
"We need to do a better job of focusing and moving. I like Scalvini and Bastoni. They are very tough in a three-guard defense. They are used to different movements and wide shifts. Di Lorenzo often finds himself too high and is exploited by the opposition. But we will improve with time, so Spalletti should be happy. I'm convinced we'll eventually qualify for the Europa League."
Talking about Donnarumma being booed at the San Siro
Donnarumma is a benchmark who brings extra value to the national team, "I'm not allowed to comment on this topic."
Fifty years of a storied life, choosing one memorable moment each decade.
"The first one would have been playing in the streets in front of the Stadio San Paolo, then at 19 I made my first appearance in a Serie A match between Juve and Napoli. It was not an ordinary game. before turning 30, my child with Daniela was born. After that, I played in the World Cup, won the Ballon d'Or and Mr. World Footballer. In the last 10 years, I won two titles in China, one leading Guangzhou Evergrande to the Chinese Super League title and the other leading Tianjin Quanjian to the Central League title."
Any regrets?
It would have been a mistake not to accept the offer to coach the Polish team.
What's next?
I was waiting for a proper teaching opportunity, and it wasn't going well in Benevento, and I thought I deserved a new opportunity," he said.
