Former coach Cesare Prandelli weighed in on Milan’s decision to dismiss Paolo Maldini, and Juventus’ recent decline and next steps.
Rossoneri owner Gerry Cardinale sparked fury amongst supporters when he unexpectedly dismissed the technical director at the start of this month. Things went from bad to worse a few weeks later when reports emerged detailing the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United.
Juventus are another time who didn’t have an easy season and they’re not expected to invest too heavily this summer, needing to carefully manage their financial position after their various legal battles.
Speaking on page 19 of today’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli first discussed if it was a miracle to see Italian teams in all three of the European cup finals this season.
“No, it isn’t. It means that they have capable corporate and technical structures. We have to start from there. I am thinking of three iconic players.
“Barella for Inter: he has the spirit, character and determination to be a protagonist. Bonaventura for Fiorentina: he had a crazy season technically and as a leader. Dybala for Roma: if they had him at 100% all year, he would have done something extraordinary.
“You can have a thousand ideas, but he gives you the most important thing in football: unpredictability.”
He was asked about Milan’s dismissal of Maldini and Juventus’ possible exclusion from European competition next season.
“A talismanic figure (Maldini, ed.) that brought back the Scudetto and doesn’t find an agreement is surprising. We have to understand what these people who are investment funds want.
“Let’s remember that they want to make money. All I can say about Juve is that in terms of image for Italian football it’s not good, but there are rules and they must be respected.”
He touched on if Milan or Juventus would need to put in more work to rise back up to the top.
“Juve. They must change course in their choices. Two or three great champions okay, then there must be a solid base working with them. Otherwise, the more talents you put in, the less team you have.”
Finally, Prandelli discussed the idea of seeing Napoli sell Kim Min-Jae and Victor Osimhen.
“There should be a law that obliged Napoli to win the Scudetto once every three or four years. It was such a great celebration that everyone was involved….
“If the team stays like this, they can even reach the Champions League final. Spalletti has created something unrepeatable.
“But if irrefutable offers arrive, they have shown that they know how to choose the right player to maintain competitiveness.”