Gianfranco Zola was “hurt” by the Cagliari sack, sees Lorenzo Insigne as his Napoli heir and tips Inter for the Scudetto.
Magic Box is currently in Doha as Coach of Al Arabi, assisted by Pierluigi Casiraghi, and spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Unfortunately my experience at Cagliari didn’t go well. There was a complicated situation, I arrived mid-season and it’s never easy in those circumstances.
Gianfranco Zola was “hurt” by the Cagliari sack, sees Lorenzo Insigne as his Napoli heir and tips Inter for the Scudetto.
Magic Box is currently in Doha as Coach of Al Arabi, assisted by Pierluigi Casiraghi, and spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Unfortunately my experience at Cagliari didn’t go well. There was a complicated situation, I arrived mid-season and it’s never easy in those circumstances.
“I was hurt not so much because of what happened, but because it was so important for me to help my team and my home region. In emotional terms that job was a dream, so I would’ve liked it to go differently.”
Although Zola was from Sardinia, his career really took off at Napoli.
“I will admit, I do still support Napoli. Gonzalo Higuain is Superman, currently the most decisive player in Serie A. Insigne is perhaps the player in Italian football most similar to how I was. He might play a little deeper than I did, but he really does remind me of myself.
“In the Scudetto race I’d put Inter marginally ahead of the rest, because they have individual talent, know what they want and have a great Coach in Roberto Mancini.
“The physical structure can also make a difference, as they are so solid, defending and attacking efficiently. It’s a balanced side.
Napoli and Juventus are next down the list, as they can play better football than Inter, but are not as well-rounded. I really like Napoli and how they develop their ideas.
“Maurizio Sarri and of course Paulo Sousa at Fiorentina have brought new ideas, careful tactical analysis and a renovation of Serie A, as in the 1990s it had become too uniform.
“Watch out for the Viola and a possible Roma comeback, but the other favourites are Juventus. A month ago I wouldn’t have said that, but they’ve found their harmony, style and quality, so…”
Zola was also asked whether he saw his future more in Serie A or the Premier League.
“My family lives in London…”