TMW exclusive
The former defender of the Italian national team, world champion in 2006, Cristian Zaccardospoke exclusively to TMW directly from the Padel Pro Am Cup in Viareggio: “We don’t see each other all together very often. Every now and then we meet individually, but not all together. We thank Davide Lippi who organized this meeting, it was nice meet again and see Mister Marcello Lippi plus the staff with whom we accomplished an extraordinary feat.”
What was the secret of that group?
“A combination of things. There was quality, there were many top players. I was lucky enough to be alongside them. Then it was a group of real men and so it was simpler. Then you always need a pinch of luck. We saw the national team that unfortunately did not qualify twice but then won the European Championship, it means that in football even if you are strong you don’t always win. What we did will remain forever the dream of winning the World Cup. I achieved it and it is an emotion that will never die.”
Tomorrow Italy-Belgium. What would you like to see again about France-Italy?
“Tomorrow I will be at the stadium in Rome to see it live. Mistakes were made at the European Championship and it didn’t go as we hoped, but then we won at home to France and this gives morale. Spalletti has always demonstrated his worth, he must find continuity. The Nations League helps bring in some new players, we hope we can do well.”
How do you evaluate Milan’s moment?
“There is no balance in football. You win matches, like the derby, and then you lose others. There have been changes, it’s too early to judge. Trust in Fonseca? Yes. When one chooses a path… Then those who live it on a daily basis know a lot more than us. All the teams are still on track. On paper, Napoli started badly after the match against Verona and are now a solid team. they defend well and win. There’s Atalanta, who for me could be the anti-Inter. There’s Juventus who have changed a lot, Lazio are recovering, Roma have also changed It’s early to judge, let’s wait for the end of the first round.”
On Parma?
“Parma has an interesting, offensive team, the youngest in the championship. They achieved a great victory against Milan, they lost others despite taking the lead. It’s Serie A, there’s a lot to suffer, there’s a bit of lack of experience but I hope they can save themselves as soon as possible.”
On Palermo?
“I’ve always been close to him. There’s De Sanctis, a great director, I played for him in the national team and I love him. I hope that sooner or later Palermo can return to Serie A, they have important ownership and a public that deserves Serie A. I also wish the best luck to Palermo, I hope they can return to Serie A soon.”