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Serie A 2018/2019 Season Review, Player of the Season, Most Disappointing Sides (Ep. 14)
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The Serie A Show's Chloe Beresford, John Solano, and Nima Tavalley review the 2018/2019 Serie A campaign as the season draws to a close.
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Transcript
Season Finale Kickoff
00:00:01
Speaker
Welcome to the Citya Show! All right everybody, we are back for the, we'll call this the season finale of the Citya Show for the 2018-2019 campaign. I hope you are all doing well.
Campionatos Season Review
00:00:29
Speaker
Well, we have reached the finish line, Chloe and Nima, the 2018-2019 Campionatos in the books, depending on who you support. That's either a good thing or a bad thing.
00:00:45
Speaker
It was, I have to say, in respect to recent seasons, I don't know about you, but just from a pure quality standpoint, I thought this season was actually a bit disappointing. What do you think, Chloe? Agree? Disagree?
00:01:02
Speaker
No, I agree. I mean, the last match on Sunday night, the ones that were all played at the same time were really quite exciting and everything kept changing. But I think in general this season, a lot of teams have underperformed and there's been a lot of kind of disappointing stuff. And I think
00:01:23
Speaker
you know when you think back to the summer and it was like Inter had Icardi and Milan had Iguain and it looked like it was going to be like the battle of the strikers and none of it kind of really it just and you they had Ronaldo obviously it just didn't it just didn't work out that way I mean who would have thought that Quagliarello would have ended up as top scorer yeah yeah that's true yeah
Italian Teams Underperformance
00:01:48
Speaker
No, I agree. I think this was the season that promised so much and delivered so little. I think when you look at how the Italian teams also did in Europe, I think that their performance further gives credence to the view that this is a season where the Italian teams took a step back.
00:02:11
Speaker
I don't think they did that well in terms of how they played. The big teams definitely disappointed. The only team that didn't disappoint this season to be honest is Atalanta, who had an absolutely fantastic finish to the second part of the season.
Atalanta's Groundbreaking Season
00:02:28
Speaker
It's a miracle that they finished third. That's their best ever Serie A finish ever under Gasparini. A few seasons ago he finished fourth and that was their best ever Serie A finish ever. That too under Gasparini. So no, it's absolutely fantastic what they've done, what Atlanta have done.
00:02:49
Speaker
And I think they're the only ones who really didn't take a step back. I think every single team, aside from them, except from Spal and maybe Bologna under Mihailovic, took a step back. And in this case, it was a sideways step.
00:03:10
Speaker
That is also a step back of sorts, if you will. I think Roma completely collapsed. Milan did not play the way I expected. That did not turn out in any shape, size or form in the way we expected it to. Fiorentina could have been relegated, which is absolutely insane. No, for me it was only Atalanta had a positive season, to be honest.
00:03:34
Speaker
I agree. I thought they were the only ones who really exceeded expectations far above what anybody could have expected. So just a brief review of the table. So bear with me, everybody. We had Juve, obviously, when the Scudetto. We had Napoli, Atalanta, Inter.
00:03:50
Speaker
Milan, Roma, Torino, Lazio, Santoria, Bologna, Sasuolo, Utenese, Spal, Parma, Calieri, Fiorentina, Genoa, and then the relegated sides, we have Empoli, Frosinone, and thank God. So, with that in mind, with the full table in mind, we obviously discussed Atalanta,
00:04:16
Speaker
How would you view the table? Fair? The saying is always the table never lies, which is generally the case. But other than Atalanta, who really jumps out to you that, wow, before the season, if you would have told me X club finished in this position, I never would have believed it.
00:04:35
Speaker
Spal for me. I'm really, really impressed by Spal. I honestly thought they were going to have a really difficult season this season. And they ended up instead having an absolutely brilliant season.
Surprises and Disappointments in Serie A
00:04:50
Speaker
I think if you look at it as a whole, they I did not, you know, they did really, really well. But we also have to, you know, for me, it's Torino as well. I'd say Torino and are the ones that aside from those we mentioned have had
00:05:04
Speaker
I've had a fantastic season. I think Bellotti is turning into a real, he's taking those final steps to become an absolute world-class striker. And Mazzari, his defensive approach worked.
00:05:21
Speaker
the guy doesn't know how to play attacking football, so he just basically allows the attacking players to kind of just do what they want. Just as long as the rest of them follow his instructions defensively. But I think that it's genuinely impressive to see Torino and Spahl for me, aside from Atalanta.
00:05:46
Speaker
Yeah, I'd have to agree with those two sides. I think, like Neema said, in their second season, I think,
00:05:55
Speaker
After a momentous effort to stay in Serie A after a spout had been promoted the year before this one, I think the second season is usually a difficult one, because how do you galvanise your players again for yet another relegation battle? And I think St. Plici has done an excellent job in the way that he's adapted his methods to Serie A, he's made them really difficult to beat,
00:06:23
Speaker
And, you know, I really don't think anybody expected them to finish in mid-table. I think second half of the season, obviously, Bologna really exceeded expectations because it really did look like they were going to go down.
00:06:40
Speaker
And obviously, in reverse, what you'd never have believed was that Fiorentina could have possibly got relegated on the last day. Nobody expected that. And even at the halfway point, at one point, they were like seventh or eighth, I think, just after Christmas, sorry. And the collapse, they didn't win from February right until the end of the season. So that was a real shocker
Fiorentina's Management Changes
00:07:09
Speaker
as well.
00:07:09
Speaker
just before we get into the the Champions League and the relegation review we did plan on bringing this up later but since you brought a Fiona Tina Chloe there is the news that they are on the brink of being sold so surely given given all of the complaints you've had this season and rightfully so about the Fiona Tina management
00:07:29
Speaker
I would assume that this gives you a sense of hope, a sense of joy. How are you feeling about this? I think things have got so bad under the Della Valleys that at this point, I think Fiorentina fans would take anybody in exchange just because
00:07:46
Speaker
a change is needed, whatever happens. They really hit rock bottom in all respects this season and there has to be a fresh start and there has to be a change. I think that bringing in new owners, the club has such huge potential.
00:08:06
Speaker
The city itself is so beautiful as a destination that, you know, it's so marketable in that way. They're unique in the way that they wear purple, you know, and the dollar values have just not invested the time, the effort, the money or anything into making them into what they could be. I was having a look since they took over
00:08:33
Speaker
I think it was 2001 or 2002 from memory, the highest they have finished is fourth. And I just think in all those years of owning the club to have such lack of, even a one-off amazing season, it's just been mediocre all the way along. And even if there's a bit of a
00:09:01
Speaker
you know a teething process at the beginning for a new owner. I think that just to have someone new in the potential that they could smash through that glass ceiling that the Dela Valleys have imposed will just give people a real sense of hope and you know there's
00:09:18
Speaker
It's a one team city, there are so big fan base and so much passion and if they can channel that in the right way, Fiorentina could be a really great side and they could be regulars in Europe, it just needs somebody with the right drive and passion to harness all that good energy.
00:09:38
Speaker
I agree. I think that you just hit the nail on the head there. One observation I have with the risk of us blowing our own horns here at the Serie A show.
00:09:55
Speaker
We were talking about, a few months ago, about Sarri at Roma, then those rumors started, and we said the same thing about Gasparini, then that sort of started. Then we spoke about wishing that the de la Valle's would get rid of Fiorentina, and now they're out. And we also said that, you know, I said that I wanted Gattuso at Fiorentina, now there's actually real reporting being made that Gattuso and Mirabeli are being scouted to take over.
00:10:21
Speaker
after Comosto takes over at Fiorentina. So I just wanted to toot our own horn a little there. We're a little ahead of the curve. And what he's saying is we should change our name from the Seria show to the Seria soothsayers. Yes, exactly. I like that. I like that.
00:10:38
Speaker
Yeah, no, no, but seriously, yeah. But Nima, I know you, I mean, even from a, I mean, even from a pure, listen, even if you're not a Fiorentina supporter, if you just enjoy the league, I mean, Nima, you absolutely have to be thrilled that Fiorentina look to be going into the hands of somebody who truly looks like they're going to take an interest. Absolutely. I love that city. I have family in that city. I've lived in that city. I've been at that stadium. That fan base is amazing.
00:11:08
Speaker
It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in all of Italy. It is exactly like your Chloe says. It is incredibly marketable. They're the only tribe that plays in a beautiful purple shade. They live in, as I said, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
00:11:24
Speaker
They have a rich history, they're a one city, they're a one club city. There is so much speaking for them. Fiorentina is, in my opinion, is a club that you're finishing in the top six every year. There's no doubt about that. Fiorentina should play in the European Cups every year. I think they are good enough to do that.
00:11:46
Speaker
After the big four or big five, that's where Fiorentina should be. And if Komosso is the right person to do that, who can galvanize and get this going, it all depends also on...
00:12:00
Speaker
on the new stadium and I think that a foreign investor, because he is Italian-American if I'm not mistaken, and if Fiorentina can get their own stadium, a new stadium that they own, then they're a club that has so much to offer, they have a fantastic history, they have all these things that Chloe's mentioned.
00:12:26
Speaker
I think it would, you know, I want, I missed the Fiorentina, that was a big, you know, that was a top side, you know, with the Ruikostai and Battistuta and all that. I think they're big enough to be that guy, to be that club once again. And I can't wait to have them that, from an objective perspective. The league needs them. It's the same way that we always say that, you know, the Serie A needs Milan and Inter to be strong, to
00:12:49
Speaker
to battle it out with Juventus, we need Fiorentina to be strong again. We do.
Champions League Race Drama
00:12:55
Speaker
Okay, so moving on to the Champions League race, as we also called here a few months ago, this was less of a race and more of a, we cut off our legs and we're going to crawl to the finish line.
00:13:10
Speaker
It was a two and a half hours filled with ups and downs. I couldn't even imagine being an Interes supporter or a Milan supporter where you're just up and down in this roller coaster of emotions all within just a couple of hours. So at one point we had Genoa relegated.
00:13:29
Speaker
Milan in the Champions League and then we had the complete opposite with empoli relegated Inter in the Champions League So it ultimately ends Juve Napoli Atalanta Inter finishing in the Champions League places Chloe What do you make of that? Obviously as I said before the table usually doesn't lie I don't think anybody would disagree that these four sides are worthy of the top four but
00:13:57
Speaker
What do you think their prospects are heading into the Champions League stage? I think you might. I think the table ultimately doesn't lie. And although it was very close, I think Inter had been in those places for nearly all of the season and they do deserve to be there.
00:14:18
Speaker
and Atalanta for the sheer effort and the sheer entertainment and everything that they've brought to the league this year. They really deserved it and it was a just reward after they lost in the Coppa Italia final. It would be a real shame for them to have left the season empty handed after everything they've done. So yeah, I was kind of satisfied with how it finished. I think
00:14:46
Speaker
Ataranta's progress in the Champions League will depend if they can keep Gasparini and keep the squad together. Obviously there's rumours that he may go to Roma, so we'll have to see about that. And I think Inter have plenty of hope because it looks like Antonio Conte is coming in.
00:15:09
Speaker
I think they will at least get through to the knockout stages which they didn't manage to do this year. I'm quietly confident about that.
00:15:21
Speaker
There's so many changes yet to happen in Serie A over the summer. There's going to be a huge managerial merry-go-round. We don't know which players are going to stay and going to go. And I think that so many teams have underachieved this year, as we've already mentioned, that that means there are going to be massive, massive changes. So anything next season-wise is quite hard to predict because these teams could look totally different come next August.
00:15:51
Speaker
No, I agree. I think that's a very fair assessment. If you look at the top five teams in the Serie A or even the top six teams, except for Napoli, every single one is going to have a new manager in charge.
00:16:10
Speaker
Juve are going to have a new manager, Inter are going to have a new manager, Atalanta are looking like they're going to have a new manager, Milan are going to have, sorry, Roma are going to have a new manager. I mean, it's literally the end of the cycle. And I think that a lot of changes are happening. I mean, with Milan, you have Leonardo and possibly even Maldini resigning. At Inter, at Roma, you have a completely new sporting directorship and a new project being launched there.
00:16:43
Speaker
If in Zagil is Lazio, they're going to need to find someone new there. So there's a big changing of the guards going on. A new cycles are being ended and new ones are starting, which is going to take some time for it to sit down.
00:17:02
Speaker
The, you know, they're paying him something around 9, 10 million euros in net per season. And they're doing that not because they're, you know, they're being, they're charitable, good guys who like to pay people a lot of money. They're doing that because they want titles. You know, Champions League football is no longer just a minimum requirement. It's to win the scoreto within two years. It's to break you with his dominance. It's to win the Copa Italia. It's to, in the long run, win the Champions League. That's where there are.
00:17:32
Speaker
Milan, Milan are in a situation where they need to, you know, they need to, they need to find a new sporting director, they need to find a new coach, they need a new sporting project entirely in order to, to stabilize themselves up there and to follow the settlement agreement, which they have with UEFA. And for them, for Elliott Fund to sell them on the same way Eric Tohir did. So they're kind of in their Eric Tohir,
00:18:01
Speaker
stage of their project.
Managerial Changes and Transitions
00:18:03
Speaker
And that's not a very nice stage to be in. And I understand why Milanisti are frustrated and angry, because we were angry as interfans when we were going through that period. So, no, there's a lot of transition going on. And I and Yael Fiorentina as well. So, no, there's a lot of transition going on at Juve as well. I mean,
00:18:28
Speaker
Who's going to take over? Is it going to be Sarri who plays a very specific kind of football? Or is it even Guardiola? Are those insane rumours true? I mean, there's so many questions that we'll need answering this summer. And that's why I'm really looking forward to the Mercato because it's not just the signing of the players. It's also a very clear statement from all the clubs of which direction they intend to go. So I think next season's Serie A will be the most interesting one.
00:18:58
Speaker
in a very, very long time due to the fact that so many new projects are being launched at the same time. Yeah, I agree. So of the four sides that finish in the Champions League places, Chloe, who do you suspect needs to make the most changes in the summer? Now, there is the situation of Gasparini, who it looks like, and from what I'm told,
00:19:24
Speaker
is more than likely to happen, that Gasparini leaves Atalanta to join Roma. So maybe that would change your answer. I'm assuming it would, but of the sides who finish in the Champions League places,
00:19:37
Speaker
Who do you think really needs the biggest change in the summer? Who needs to bring in a lot of names? Who needs to offload dead wood? What are your thoughts on that? Well, obviously Atalanta are going to need
00:19:54
Speaker
they're going to need, whether Gasparini stays or not, they're going to need a lot of signings. They're going to need extra depth. If they keep the core of the squad together, I think that will be lessened. But if Gasparini does leave, then some of his players may follow him because they're so attached to him because of the way he works.
00:20:19
Speaker
I think UVA are going to need massive changes because they're bringing in a new coach, as we know, and they're going to need to massively refresh their squad to suit the new guy and to win in the Champions League, which is the very, very reason why they're not going to continue with Allegri. So they're going to need some pretty big changes there too. So I think
00:20:49
Speaker
into a pretty well set up. They just needed someone with a little bit more choice and consistency than Spelletti and I think they'll have that with Conte so maybe just a couple of key signings for them and I think Napoli probably also need to bring in some new players. I think they this season
00:21:12
Speaker
it really ended up with a bit of a post-Sari hangover. And I think that the players that were left kind of, it seemed like they still had that Sari way of playing still in them and Ancelotti kind of struggled to get his own way of playing going. So I think they might make some changes in the summer too, but I'd say mainly Atalanta and Uwe.
00:21:36
Speaker
I, for me, it's Inter more than, I mean, it depends on who they're bringing. If they're bringing Juventus, if Juventus bring in Sarri, yeah, you need to overhaul that entire midfield. But I don't think they will. I don't think Sarri, I don't think Sarri
00:21:53
Speaker
will end up there. For me, my money is on Sarri going to Milan or even Roma, but if Roma doesn't, if he doesn't end up going there, my money is still on Milan. It kind of suits, the style kind of suits them. But no, for me, it depends on who you have a point. I still think that it will be either Pochettino or Simoni and Zaghi.
00:22:19
Speaker
But for Inter, no, you know, I'm sorry, Chloe, I don't agree. You need an overhaul. That midfield is just, I mean, Borja Valero needs to leave.
00:22:27
Speaker
Raja Maingolan, fine, he can stay, but he'll be reduced to a backup role because he's finished. I mean, he's peaked. He peaked two seasons ago at Roma and since then it's been a steady decline. Candreva is probably going to leave. They're probably going to, you know, Perisic, Icardi, Miranda's leaving. They need to fill the full back row with Versalco being an utter disaster.
00:22:52
Speaker
You know, no, no, Inter are going to need a proper overhaul, like seven, eight players, to be able to properly challenge. I mean, Inter, you know, now there's talk of Barrella, which I think if you're going to have one signing, if Inter are going to make one signing this summer, they need to make it Nicolo Barrella, because Nicolo Barrella, that midfield, you know, the midfielder that he is,
00:23:17
Speaker
the tenacity, the aggressiveness, the box-to-box. For me, everything about him is reminiscent of a peak Arturo Vidal, and that worked out really well under Antonio Conte, so that is a really important signing Inter need to make. But other than that, I think Inter need to really rebuild, because they know who the coach is, but with Juventus,
00:23:43
Speaker
Atalanta and Juventus are in a different situation because you don't really know who's going to be there. I think it would be devastating if Gasperini left Atalanta for Italian football because I don't think anyone can handle that squad and handle that situation as well as he can.
00:24:02
Speaker
So sorry, John, I really hope that he stays at Atalanta because I think Atalanta would be knocked out of, you know, we're talking Finnish last in their group with six losses if Gasparini left and if Illicic left and if, you know, all these other players left.
00:24:20
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, I think with Allegri available, it's hard for me to stomach the prospect of Gasparini knowing Allegri is out there now. We've discussed on here that we both or all of us think that Allegri is destined for a bigger side. Who knows? Maybe something like Barcelona, who knows what will happen there. But still, I have always been
00:24:44
Speaker
apprehensive about Gasparini potentially being appointed at Roma. So we've got the Champions League place discussion out of the way. Now, looking at the table, we lost Empoli,
Relegation and Fan Reactions
00:25:00
Speaker
Frozonone, Kievo. Are any of us really heartbroken over these three?
00:25:06
Speaker
Nope. Nope. I can't say I am. I'm just happy that that we won't next season have to go to that horrible stadium at all in Verona. But no, I mean, I like, I mean, Brescia is going to be interesting to see because Cellino, the madman, is back and I am really looking forward to
00:25:29
Speaker
you know, him coming back because he's a loose cannon and he's a rock star. And in terms of Italy having the Serie A having a history and tradition of crazy, literal, insane presidents, he will be waving that flag proudly. So I'm really looking forward to that. But no, I won't miss. I mean, the only team I will miss is Empoli because I really, really liked what they did.
00:25:56
Speaker
in terms of how they played. Caputo, Troere, etc, etc, and Andrea Zoli, I mean, I don't know if you guys have seen it, I can really recommend it. I mean, after the after the game against Inter on Sunday, the press conferences, Spalletti was waiting for Andrea Zoli. I saw that. Yeah, that was nice. That was really nice. And they hugged each other. And he said, you don't deserve to, you know, you didn't deserve to go down. I'm really sorry. And everyone applauded them. No, it was it was it was really nice to see. And I think it was
00:26:26
Speaker
And I wouldn't begrudge them in return, because I think towards the end of these past few weeks, they've played some really, really good roles. Chloe, I know you're devastated over Ampley going down. Well, Fiorentina fans there think that it's below them to call that a derby, so they don't.
00:26:46
Speaker
Geographically it is a derby obviously. I have a couple of friends that are season ticket holders at Enply and I have to say from talking to them, Enply are quite a well-run club. They have this family ethos where they sort of
00:27:11
Speaker
They have the sort of slogan, we are family in English and they really value their younger supporters and things like that. I like them in the way that they approach things and I did feel sorry for them because they played ever so well against Into and what Fiorentina in Genoa did, which was play for Biscotti, a pre-agreed draw was awful.
00:27:40
Speaker
I think they so desperately need this new stadium to be built because their current stadium is just horrendous.
00:28:04
Speaker
I probably would have preferred Udinese to go, but I can't say I'm totally devastated that it was Empoli because I do think that they are quite a small side and they do need to modernise and they're never going to be, apart from a couple of freak seasons, they're never going to be proper challengers even for mid-table. So, yeah, Kieva and Frozzanoni obviously clearly deserve to go down.
00:28:30
Speaker
and then probably were a little unlucky but that's the way it goes.
00:28:35
Speaker
Yeah, that is the way it goes. So I want to discuss, we got into it a little bit, but I did want to discuss sort of this managerial overhaul that is going on right now in Citi. I mean, just looking, even if you look at the top 10 sides, I mean, we're looking at several clubs, potentially changing managers. We already have Roma looking. Just this morning we had Gattuso officially leave Milan, who is going to be followed by the sporting director, Leonardo.
00:29:05
Speaker
What are your thoughts on this sort of managerial merry-go-round going on right now in City Off? For me, that may be more exciting than some of the actual play on the pitch this season because some of it, especially in the lower half of the table, was horrendous. I'm curious to see what a lot of these sides do.
00:29:26
Speaker
I think it depends on which club we're talking about. In terms of with Juventus and Allegri, I think that was the wise decision for both Juve and Allegri. Five years is a very long time. He'd won everything there was to win, two Champions League finals. That relationship had kind of reached its logical conclusion. So that isn't a failure. I think that was a natural decision. The same way if Gasperini were to leave Atalanta, I think it's safe to say that, you know,
00:29:55
Speaker
that relationship kind of reached this natural conclusion as well. You can argue because Gasparini's been there for three, four years. He's done an excellent job. He wants to prove himself in bigger situations and bigger piazza, if you will. When it comes to Inter, to a lesser extent, but above all, Milan and Roma and Fiorentina,
00:30:22
Speaker
For them, it's a disaster. I think it's a complete and utter failure by the owners to see these two projects capsize the way they have. I mean, Roma disintegrated before our eyes mid-season. Monchi just left, packed up and left. And then Milan, they had to rebuild their squad in January again because he winded and worked out.
00:30:47
Speaker
And then now you see the coach leaving and the sporting director leaving and even the technical director Paolo Maldim leaving. So that just goes to show that it was a complete disaster by the owners, by the Elliott Fund. And the de la Valle, as we've discussed so many times, we don't need to rehash that again. But for me, those three sides in particular, the blame is to go to the owners because they clearly failed
00:31:15
Speaker
in their new projects or in their projects in Fiorentina's case. For Inter, I would say it was a disappointing season because it promised so much and didn't deliver in Europe. Inter were supposed to get into the Copa Italia semi-final. At least they failed that as well. And then, you know, if you look at it over two seasons, Inter failed to improve on last season. And that in and of itself is a failure.
00:31:44
Speaker
I'd say that Roma, Fiorentina and Milan really failed inter barely passed slash barely failed, if you wish. But Juventus and Napoli and Atalanta, they
00:31:59
Speaker
You know, they all passed with flying colors. It really depends on each club, the way you view this. I mean, obviously you have to view it independently, but Nima, you mentioned about Gattuso potentially going to a side like Fiord and Tina. Chloe, is that something you would like to see or would you like to see Montela continue?
00:32:21
Speaker
It's really hard because it's a case of which Montalo is the weird one because obviously he did really well with Fiorentina last time. Whenever he's come in mid-season to a club like with Sevilla, with Sampdoria, he's not done very well.
00:32:42
Speaker
And I actually think he probably could do OK if he was given a full preseason and he could build a side that suited him. But I think, unfortunately, it's come to the point where they hit such a low that it's going to need a complete fresh start. And I think that might mean a complete new guy in charge.
00:33:12
Speaker
I like Gattuzo. I think that he has got the right kind of personality to manage Fiorentina. I think that they need someone who can lift them. And I think he's really, really good at that. He's very honest, which the fans will like.
00:33:32
Speaker
he's obviously got limitations but I think perhaps in a rebuilding season that might not be too much of a concern. Long term if they've got, if these new owners have got ambitions then probably like Milan he's not the right man but I don't, I think it would just be interesting to see what he could do. I'd be
00:33:58
Speaker
I wouldn't, I don't think I'd have a massive opinion either way if he came in. I think I would just like to keep an open mind. He does seem to have a lot of the right attributes. So yeah, but I think it just needs a change. It just, it just needs, everything needs to be redone from the squad to the owners to the player, you know, everything just needs revamping.
00:34:28
Speaker
That's fair. And I think one of the other managerial situations that is sort of not being talked about as much, obviously, because you have Fioretina, Atalanta, Roma, Milan, the situation of Bologna. I mean, Mihal did so, so good there upon his return.
00:34:44
Speaker
He has told the club that he wants to take two weeks to think about it, and this is presumably to see if he gets an offer from perhaps a bigger side. I don't know about you guys, but of all the potential changes in the managerial tree in Serie A, I think if Bologna were to lose him, especially given the way they've played this last month and a half,
00:35:08
Speaker
I think that could be more devastating than the likes of Gasparini or Atalanta. Now, maybe not, but I still think it would have a massive, massive impact. And I just feel like it's not getting nearly the amount of discussion that perhaps Milan, Roma, I mean, do you two agree with that?
00:35:27
Speaker
It would be a huge loss. And I think he himself would be better off standing there because, you know, I think he's done a great job there. They've got American owners and they, you know, they may well choose to back him considering what a good job he's done. And I'm not sure, maybe Lazio, but I'm not sure where else he could go to sort of
00:35:57
Speaker
I don't think he's got enough to manage a club on a higher, a much higher level than Bologna. So I actually think he's better off staying put and doing a really, really good job there next season. I couldn't agree with you more. I think that's exactly what he's holding out for. I think he's absolutely holding out for see if the Lazio job becomes vacant, because if Simone and Zaghi will leave or if he will stay,
00:36:25
Speaker
And I think he would be the natural heir to Simone and Zaghi. This just Bologna job that he took over, this was supposed to be his redemption job after the complete disaster at Torino. And he really did well. Bologna played some excellent football. They had some excellent results.
00:36:48
Speaker
and he delivered and then some and I think that Lazio job is absolutely the one he's gunning for he's already been at Milan and failed he can he can only be Juventus coach in his own dreams there's no chance that he will ever take over in neither with you know who's it was over you know who've got Conte so I think that the Lazio job is the one he's gunning for
00:37:12
Speaker
So, yeah, no, I think that will be very interesting to see. It is kind of like Domino's, isn't it? It's if one pawn falls.
00:37:22
Speaker
All of them will have like a ricochet effect and all of them will fall. And I think that we'll see that soon with with Lazio, with Simon Inzagi. I think after the Champions League final, we'll see because Pochettino has been dropping some really, really strong hints about what he wants to do in the future. And again, five years at a club is a very long time. So I think we'll just have to wait and see it till next week. But if I were to
00:37:52
Speaker
If I were to gamble, if I were a gambling man, and I'm not saying people should be, but if I were, I think that in the end, we'll see Simone and Zaggy at Milan. I think we'll see Pochettino at Juventus. I think we'll see... I can't, obviously, at Inter. I think we'll see Gasparini, as you said, John, I think, in Roma. And I think we'll see Mihailovic go to Lazio.
00:38:22
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, for me, I think that's someone he's gunning for as well. But again, we've discussed it previously on here in an earlier episode, but I feel like he's one of those guys almost sort of like Gasperini, where you have to have the self-awareness to realize what your true level is. And I think, for me, to even contemplate leaving Bologna is a huge, huge
00:38:47
Speaker
huge mistake
00:39:06
Speaker
you want to take that next step regardless of where you are and where you've been. But I just feel like he is perfect for Bologna. And again, the way they played the last two months, I just think for both sides, for both of them, for the manager and for the club, it would be absolutely ridiculous to even contemplate for a second moving on from each other. I think
00:39:29
Speaker
what each of them needs and where they are right now, I think they need each other. I think that's a perfect match. So I think it would be absolutely ridiculous for him to even contemplate for a millisecond leaving Bologna. And again, we'll see what happens.
00:39:45
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, anybody who's followed Mija, I mean, Lazio, it always seemed at some point he was destined for there. I just feel like that is something that could potentially wait, but we will see how that ultimately plays out.
Coaching Concerns and Club Impacts
00:40:00
Speaker
Now, we've discussed him a lot, but I want to just touch real quick upon Atalanta. So, let's just say for the sake of this discussion that Gasparini decides to leave, goes to Uroma,
00:40:13
Speaker
Who in the world would you put in there because you have these players who are so tightly knit into Gasparini's system? I couldn't even tell you a good name because I feel like any suggestion that you throw out is going to have so many flaws. So where do you even begin with Atalanta if they were to lose Gasparini, Chloe?
00:40:36
Speaker
Like you, I have no idea. I think when a coach builds a side that is so...
00:40:44
Speaker
specific to him. I mean, their real strength is in their identity, in the way that they work for each other, the way that they play. And that is all Gasparini. And if they remove him, I feel like it's just going to fall apart because he's the one that knits them together. He's the one that has created this squad, the way that they play, the outlook. Everything is Gasparini.
00:41:14
Speaker
I, every, you know, available coaches and people pop into my head and then I think, no, that wouldn't work. So I just, I fear for them. I really do because I don't, I just don't know who they could really bring in and who could even, I can't think of somebody who could just steady the ship for a bit.
00:41:39
Speaker
never mind achieve what Gasparini has achieved with them. And it's just because he's created a style and an identity that is so specific to him. Yeah, I mean, personally, I'd say if you're going to go, I would love to see a deserbe go there because I really like his brand of football and I think
00:42:05
Speaker
he could organize them in a way that is different from, very different from Gasparini, but I think he would get the most out of them as well. But I think, I honestly think that the Paracastes are gonna, you know, this is the first time they're in this situation and I have this feeling that they're gonna
00:42:26
Speaker
lose their minds a little bit and go for Prandelli who I think is available after being released from his contract and duties from Genoa because he will be available and I think that that would be just a huge mistake. I actually think that if Atalanta were to appoint him they could get relegated even.
00:42:46
Speaker
And, but I just, I just hope, like, I know, you know, this is counterintuitive a little bit, but I really, really hope that Gasparini makes up his mind and decides to stay at the Talanta for one more year. I really, really hope so. Now, what about Milan? Nima, you threw out Simone and Zagi. Chloe, who would you like to see or who do you think would be the most pragmatic choice for them?
00:43:15
Speaker
I think I tend to agree with Nima in that I think Inzaghi is probably ready for a step up and I think Milani is a step up from Lazio and he's already played in the Europa League. I think that he deserves a chance at a bigger club.
00:43:39
Speaker
If not him, I don't know. It's tricky. I think I read something that because of FFP, they're going to have to sort of scale things back and rely on younger players. So I guess Gasparini would be good in that case if they brought in a load of youngsters and tried to cull the wage budget a little bit.
00:44:03
Speaker
um it's funny that nobody's mentioned Stefano Bioli in these discussions yeah no or Osebio di Francisco I was just trying to think if he was available and I thought he's available and I thought yeah nobody wants him well that's incredible it is but I don't think they do
00:44:25
Speaker
No, the Pioli High, as I said a few episodes ago, the Pioli High, it's beautiful for those 15 minutes, but the come down, the crash afterwards is not mine. I guess if Mihailovic left Bologna, I guess he could. Now, one of the names that I am shocked that nobody has brought up is Gianpaolo at Sampdoria.
00:44:47
Speaker
I hope he stays there. I really, really like the football he plays there. And he's got a squad that really suits his football. So I hope he stays there. I really, really do. But I mean, the last thing I read was that he said that he's told the club what he thinks needs to be done. Otherwise, there's no point in him staying. And that's kind of an ultimatum. So when you do that in Italy with Italian presidents, that's pretty much handing me a resignation letter because you'll get sacked within minutes of doing that.
00:45:18
Speaker
So I think he's probably going to leave. And I think that's a shame. I really like Gianpaolo's football. I really like his Sampdoria. But I think a lot is going to happen with that squad, because I think Caliarella wants to go back home to Naples for one last season. And given the insanity of the situation when he left Naples, having a police officer who stalked him and was
00:45:45
Speaker
pretty much harassing him and was also the police officer in charge of investigating the crimes against him when he lived in Naples and that's why he left for Juventus. So he never really wanted to leave Napoli and now I think he would he would be like the ideal substitute for Ancelotti to bring on. So I think that's something that's
00:46:06
Speaker
I'm going to be watching that very closely. And also, generally speaking, that Naples, that Napoli project under Ancelotti is going to look really interesting. I think, you know, this is Ancelotti, this is supposed to be his Roma masterpiece that Capello did, if you're making comparisons. If he were to win the Scudetto with Napoli, in my opinion, that would
00:46:28
Speaker
that would be his greatest achievement in his career because to take a team that is not historically winning the leagues the way that Capello did with Roma is genuinely, would be genuinely fantastic. And I also got to say, I don't know about you guys, but I think that Napoli, they performed better than I thought they would after this kind of sari hangover under Ancelotti.
Napoli's Season Under Ancelotti
00:46:57
Speaker
I think you went better. They finished second again. And I was impressed. I was really impressed with what they did. I don't know if you guys agree. Yeah, I mean, as Chloe mentioned earlier, I think maybe they still had that sorry ball gene in them. But I thought, yeah, I thought they did well. I would expect them to take a big step forward next season.
00:47:24
Speaker
we'll see what kind of market they have because they still have, I mean, Anima, you've brought it up before, but I cannot believe a guy like Diawara just is just sitting there. What is he doing on the bench? What is he doing on that bench? I mean, it's like if Kante wants a creative midfielder and he can't get Tonali, get Diawara because the guy is brilliant. I mean, whoever gets him
00:47:49
Speaker
you know hats hats off because apparently I don't know if it's because he's injured or what it is but but that guy the talent he possesses is just crazy um and and and this is one of those players that I've I've you know when he left he left Bologna didn't he to go to Napoli and he was one of those players that I was really really looking forward to see you know excel uh under Sarri but but obviously Giorginio you know Sarri wasn't known for his rotating
00:48:14
Speaker
and Jorginho, Jorginho is the single most important player in a Salic system. So no, I just can't wait to see what they want to do with him. And they have such a plethora of good midfield players and wingers, I think, that Illicic is coming in. Although it makes sense, I guess, on some level that he's already a player, an experienced player, I just don't
00:48:37
Speaker
I think they've got players that are just as good as him in that squad already. I don't see him elevating that squad. No, I think that's a bad move. I think, you know, he showed up Fiorentina. He's not capable of being sort of his attitude being consistent.
00:48:56
Speaker
I think Gasparini's done really well with him but it's a it's a too big a risk for me at Napoli. The other thing I would think just now is when we were talking about managers I think if John Paolo leaves Sampdoria I'd actually like to see Simply to give it a go at Sampdoria if he does leave Spal because I read that he was sort of thinking he's sort of hinting at having ambition and stuff in an interview
00:49:24
Speaker
So I think after the job he's done at Spaal, he deserves a bit of a step up too. Yeah, that's a good shout. I think so too. I actually picked Spaal to be relegated this season because I didn't think they did enough in the summer to reinforce. So I'm absolutely shocked at the finish that they had. So to finish up here, player of the season for each of you.
Standout and Underwhelming Performances
00:49:49
Speaker
Doesn't matter role, player of the season for each of you.
00:49:53
Speaker
That's a good, that's a good shot. Yeah. No, he's definitely the one that surprised the most. There's no doubt about it, but, um, I have, I can't choose between, um, I think Cully Bali was in Scringa. I think the way they played, uh, in central defense, I mean, Cully Bali especially is, is just, is, is Jen has been fantastic. Uh, I think, um, yeah, no, I'd have to go with, with, with the Cully Bali.
00:50:24
Speaker
Yeah, I'll break the tie. I'll say Quagliarello as well. I mean, to be that age, to score that many goals is just crazy to me. I was looking the other day, he's got a lot of assists as well. It's not just the goals. And, you know, at his age and to break all those records in his career at such a late stage has just been amazing.
00:50:50
Speaker
Yeah, I agree. He fits so perfectly in that two striker system under John Paolo. So I wonder how much of that has to do with the system. Obviously, he's a sensational player. But even Gregois Defrel, who was a Roman, barely did anything last season, had a pretty strong season. I believe he ended with 11 or 12 goals under him. So I mean, that system of John Paolo is almost tailor-made to help the striker score.
00:51:19
Speaker
other than player of the season, who, whether it can be, well, if we say team, I assume we'll all have similar answers. Who is the player that underwhelmed and was most disappointing for you? Again, regardless of role, whatever, Chloe, who was the one that disappointed you the most? There's a lot of candidates. Yeah, I'm just trying to think. I think Jeko, I guess, has been. Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:51:49
Speaker
That's a good job. He's been very disappointing. I don't know. I don't particularly rate him very highly anyway, but I think compared to his numbers in previous years, he's not really done very much at all. Yeah. Nima, how about for you? For me, if we're disregarding and not taking consideration into injuries, the fact that they were injured, blah, blah, blah. For me, it's a toss up between Pastore and Versalico.
00:52:17
Speaker
I mean, Pastore is Roma's most paid player and he's what played five games, started five games, six games a season. It's incredibly disappointing because he is one of my absolute favorite players. And the same thing with Versalco Inter, full back. I mean, you saw in the World Cup what he was, he comes to Inter.
00:52:33
Speaker
and they send him back after three months where he's barely played because his knee is, he needs his knee surgery, reconstructive knee surgery. That to me is incredibly disappointing given the high loan fee that interpaid and we're going to redeem him. So now, Pastore or Versalco, I'd have to say.
00:52:52
Speaker
Oh, you just took it right out. Oh, sorry. Sorry. No, it's okay. So I had like a three-way tie. I had Simeone, I had Iguana Mila, and then I had Javier Pastore, who
00:53:08
Speaker
close, Nima, he's the second paid player behind Jekko, but that's okay. Who you may get to enjoy soon, by the way. But... Oh, dear. Yeah, Astore, when you couple him with the fact that Aroma could have had Zayek from Ajax, just makes it... It's not only... It's like you're getting stabbed in the back, but then it's like you're twisting the knife clockwise about a dozen times. So that really hurts.
00:53:36
Speaker
Yeah, Simeone, I mean, my goodness, from what we saw last season, Chloe, I thought he was ready to just explode. Yeah. But he really disappointed. And then who's the other? Hold on. I had three. Iguain, you said. Oh, yeah. Oh, my goodness. Iguain Milad. I mean, that goes without saying. I thought he was going to be amazing for them. I really did when he joined.
00:54:00
Speaker
I thought he would be really, really good. He got off to an extremely slow start and then the way he pouted to get his way out of there was just the most eye-opening thing of the entire saga with him. I mean, pouted and forced to move.
00:54:15
Speaker
Well, that was the best thing that happened to Milan, because otherwise they got... Oh, of course, hindsight 20. That was the best thing that Milan have done in years. I think that is the most smartest and interesting signing they have done in a very, very long time. So no, for me, that was just, thank God for small favors for Milan.
00:54:38
Speaker
No, I think speaking of players of the season, I'd have to say Piontek would have to be up there as well for me because the development he's had, I mean, you play in the Polish League 12 months and then later on you score 22 goals for both you, Genoa and Milan, and the development he's had is simply sensational.
00:54:58
Speaker
Yeah, I also wanted to throw Duvant Zapata in there. I thought, Oh my goodness. Wow, did he, what a season he's had. I mean, he's gone. I feel like it was just yesterday where he was at Napoli and he was sort of unknown quantity. He was supposed to be the
00:55:15
Speaker
the back of the Iguain. We knew nothing about him. He goes on loan to Udenes. He goes on loan to Atalanta. He went to Santoria, does well there. Then he moves to Atalanta. And then this season he has this just incredible breakout. I thought he was absolutely sensational. He's clearly done something fitness wise as well because he looks
00:55:38
Speaker
he looks almost like half the man he was, he looks really kind of lean and I just think that's made a massive difference in the way that he plays. Yeah, so between he and Balotti, do you guys think that both of them are ready for that next step? Absolutely, I think both are. I absolutely think both are. However, I think that Zapata will stay put in Atalanta simply because
Future Signings and Club Reflections
00:56:04
Speaker
They're going to, the money they get for Petanya, they're going to use, because they have this, you know, they've loaned him with an option to buy, which they will exercise, and they're going to use that option, the money that they're going to get from Petanya, who's in a similar deal in Spal, they're going to use that to activate his claws from Sampdoria. And I don't think, you know, it depends on for Inte. It's very clear that Akonte wants that kind of a striker.
00:56:33
Speaker
If Inter can get Romelu Lukaku, who's 26, or if they can get Duon Zapata, that's 27, 28. I think they want Lukaku because of the fact that he's used to playing in big clubs and big matches, whereas Zapata hasn't in the same way that Lukaku has.
00:56:55
Speaker
So I think it kind of depends on that. But Bellotti, for sure. I think Bellotti to Roma to replace Jeko is almost a given to be honest. So congratulations, John. Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I've had some doubts about him, but I think this season he's managed to quell some of those. So we'll see what ultimately happens. So that is it, guys. The 2018-2019 season is done.
00:57:22
Speaker
We haven't really discussed, all three of us, we haven't discussed what we plan on doing if we're going to do the occasional episode during the summer, if we're going to wait until next season. I guess we will tweet that out whenever we come to a consensus, but I'm glad we did this. This has been really, really fun. I've thoroughly enjoyed doing this with you too.
00:57:44
Speaker
Yeah, I agree. I was going to say, I wanted to thank you, John, for coming up with the idea and contacting me and Chloe, because this has been such a fun thing for us to do. And from the reactions from everyone who's been listening, I'm so grateful that you guys have enjoyed it as much as we have. Very grateful for that.
00:58:04
Speaker
This has been great fun. For the three of us, it's been a season where it's been draining mentally because all our clubs have kind of disintegrated or imploded in different forms. I mean, Inter turned into a reality show with the Cardi's on and off the pitch and all the madness going on there with Spalletti.
00:58:28
Speaker
Fiorentina with Pioli and everything not having a midfield for most of the season and then the Roma project with Monchi just basically checking out and saying Sia in the middle of the season. So it's been nice to commiserate with you guys. Yeah, it's been really good, just so enjoyable.
00:58:49
Speaker
Yeah. All right, everybody. We will end it there. Again, we will tweet out our plans. I would like for us to get together during the summer just because, again, there's going to be so many changes. There's going to be so many player trading, managerial appointments, managerial sackings that it's fun just to take stock and discuss things as they happen. So we will certainly tweet that out. Again, thank you, everybody, so, so much. I mean, we started this a few months ago.
00:59:17
Speaker
the response we've received has been absolutely incredible and very overwhelming. So thank you so much for listening, for retweeting, liking, interacting with us. It's truly been very, very, very enjoyable. So we will leave it there. Bye bye.