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Free Weekly Episode - Juventus Allegri Napoli, AC Milan Lose To Magical Muriel Goal, Inter Maul Udinese, Roma Lose Heads & Much More (Ep. 384)
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From Allegri's Juventus ruthless efficiency against a Napoli who are risking a Serie A top 4 finish, AC Milan let down by Davide Calabria when losing 5 goal thriller to Atalanta after a magical Luis Muriel winner at the death, Romelu Lukaku and Roma lose their heads in draw against Fiorentina who keep misfiring in attack, Inter maul Udinese at the San Siro, to rest of the Serie A action including Bologna in top 4 race, and previewing the final group stage matches in the Champions league as well as Baggio, Premface and Serie Ass of the week and much, much more when Nima and guest host Adriano Del Monte break down all the main talking points from a jampacked weekend in Italian football.
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Transcript
Introduction and Episode Preview
00:00:02
Speaker
Welcome to the Italian Football Podcast. Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Italian Football Podcast. My name is Nima Tavale, filling in as the host for Arlo Garganese. We have a very special co-host, but before I get to that, let me just go through what we'll go through to this episode, where we'll be reviewing Yvette's win over Napoli.
Podcast Format and Patreon Invitation
00:00:23
Speaker
really in struggling now for top four. We'll be talking about Atalanta's crazy three five-goal thriller in the win against Milan. Roma and Fiorentina act out maybe what some would say a couple of scenes from the gladiator. Inter Smash Udenense will be talking all of the rest of the Serie A as well as previewing the
00:00:47
Speaker
the final group stages of the Champions League this week's badge, your prime face and serious of the week. For all our first time listeners, this is our Monday free free weekly episode that we do every Monday, reviewing the weekend setting action and all the biggest talking points in Italian football. If you want to support the Italian football podcast and receive all of our content that we do throughout the
Special Co-host Introduction
00:01:06
Speaker
week.
00:01:06
Speaker
including a weekly Q&A episode every Tuesday where we answer all the questions sent in from our patrons, plus the weekly Thursday midweek review show, plus interviews post-match reaction, and much, much more than go to patreon.com slash TIP and become a subscriber for just $2.99 a month plus VAT.
00:01:22
Speaker
Now you can also sign up to be a paid subscriber on Spotify or provide the link in the description. Same price and same time supply. And for all of you who listen on Spotify, Apple and iTunes podcasts, we really appreciate if you give us a five-star rating, give us a follow and a like. We're on YouTube as well. It really helps us grow and do more quality content for you guys. So let's get into today's show.
00:01:45
Speaker
As I said, we are joined by a very special co-host. He's been on the pod many times before. He's a very good friend of ours. Welcome, Adriano
Juventus vs Napoli Analysis
00:01:54
Speaker
Del Monte. How are you doing? Grazie. I mean, you're doing very well. Great to be with you.
00:01:59
Speaker
Right, so let's start with the first game. Juventus Napoli, that was the biggest game of the weekend. And Juve, let's start from the Juventus point of view. I mean, this is another impressive win against the big side. They've managed, I mean, this was something that Juve were very highly criticized
00:02:23
Speaker
um for last season the you know alegri I should say or has been highly criticized um for since his return you know the the results against the big sides uh of course in the Champions League but also in the Serie A but this season they've beaten Napoli home beaten Milan away beaten Fiorentina away beaten Lazio at home and all of those games just conceded one goal
00:02:47
Speaker
I'm they've drew into her home they drew at the land to the land to win a gold store they played all the big teams except for my and they conceded two goals only drawn to one the rest. Incredibly impressive.
00:03:02
Speaker
Absolutely. Look, I know that Carter has certainly been vocal against the current coach for some time, but look, certainly I think where the credit is due for Massimiliano Allegri and this current event to score is that there's certainly
00:03:18
Speaker
making the most of what they can. Every opportunity they seem committed, they seem united.
Juventus' Serie A Title Race
00:03:24
Speaker
It's a level of determination that we've seen present among some of the very great Yaventa sides of old. We know clearly on paper this isn't the best.
00:03:34
Speaker
Juventus squad, the best Juventus 11 we've ever seen. But there is something special brewing there. And look, we'll get on to Inter later on. But the fact that it looks like a two-way race for the Scuetto as we approach the halfway mark of the campaign, it's been a tremendous turnaround for a team who, of course, have struggled very frequently, both obviously last season in Europe and domestically in recent seasons.
00:04:01
Speaker
It has come along very nicely so far. There are no signs whatsoever that they're going to slow up anytime soon. Obviously, as was discussed by many coming into the start of the season, no European football for Juventus could be the blessing in disguise. It helps get this team and this club back on track.
Juventus' Winning Mentality
00:04:19
Speaker
No mean feat, of course, Napoli are nowhere near what we saw last season. Obviously, the change of coach hasn't helped. Well, two changes of coach now in the space of six months. But this was a statement victory. There's no doubt about that because we remember it was this meeting in Naples last season that all but ended all that gave the belief for Napoli, I guess, that the Scudetto was alive. And
00:04:41
Speaker
this time around now a really really important win and one of many you've already touched on on the results this season but for an RP team who did the double against you over this season really really important win both on the pitch but also for the mentality off the pitch as well so this event aside not going anywhere anytime soon
00:04:58
Speaker
They're really not. I mean, the winning mentality point is something I wanted to talk about because this is, to me and you, we've seen great you-versus through the years. I mean, this ruthless efficiency. If you look at the stats, the XG was 0.0185 versus 0.086 in the first half, and 0.0109 versus 1.23 and Napoli had 1.23. Look,
00:05:27
Speaker
Uwe score, Napoli probably had better chances, but they didn't. And it's not just an offense. For me, I want to talk about that to me as a sign of a Uwe who seem almost inevitable in the sense that they've got that winning mentality and that they just can't be stopped.
Impact of Allegri and Squad Unity
00:05:48
Speaker
It looks like that. And we saw the clips, or if you're watching or covering the match, you would have seen it live, but then there's been plenty of clips doing the rounds on social media post-match with the attention the defenders in particular were giving to Aussie man and co in attack. For me, having covered Juventus so many times this season, again, it's very different. In CDR this season, they focus on the one competition.
00:06:12
Speaker
And I think that has enabled Allegri to, I mentioned earlier, but unite the squad, bring them together. They have looked to, well, last season particularly, they looked a mess at times, lacking a game plan, lacking an identity and lacking a purpose. That's changed.
00:06:27
Speaker
One thing I take away from this match was I loved, and it's certainly not the first time, but Dusan Vlawic is an example of a player maybe who hasn't been at his best under Massimiliano Allegri, but I loved the scenes when Gatti scored, obviously what was the match-winning goal. Watch Vlawic's reaction, watch how thrilled he is for Gatti to again score. There is something special within the team.
00:06:51
Speaker
And we've seen this historically at club level, at national team level, where sometimes
Juventus' Smart Signings
00:06:55
Speaker
it isn't the star 11 that will win you a trophy, but it is that unity within a squad that will bring the best out of everyone in that squad. And I think across every line, we've seen improved performances. And again, as I said now at the top, you would have seen the scenes, particularly post-match of
00:07:11
Speaker
particularly the attention on Aussie men and the challenges being put in by Bremmer and Danilo on Aussie men. They were like goals for them. They were pumped up, they were celebrating, and they were really, really committed for 90 minutes. There were no lapses in concentration. It's a team that are really clear on what they're doing. It may not be the prettiest football.
00:07:32
Speaker
Allegri loves going one hill up and that's that but they are getting the results and at the end of the day that's all that matters and that's why there were two points off the top of the table as we approached halfway mark.
00:07:43
Speaker
Yeah, and speaking of picking up on the Juventus defence, I mean, Cรฉzny, that save on di Lorenzo was crazy. Unbelievable. And, I mean, you know, it's another clean sheet for him. It was his eighth, Juva had nine in the Serie A. Perin, obviously, had the first one of the season. But Federico Gatti, he's becoming this
Federico Gatti's Redemption
00:08:06
Speaker
Bianconero cult hero.
00:08:08
Speaker
The thing that I find the most impressive thing is, this all comes on the back of that horrific performance, I guess, Asolo, where he scores one of the most, well, the most embarrassing own goal I think I've seen in Serie A ever. It was an absolute disaster. It feels to me like what you're talking about Alegri there, this becomes a little bit like he almost embodies all of that.
00:08:35
Speaker
I couldn't I couldn't agree any more. He's an individual who obviously his story has been well documented where he was only a few years ago to where he's come now. It is remarkable that in itself is it also partly due to
00:08:51
Speaker
how Juventus have fallen in recent seasons, that the opportunity has come about for him, perhaps, but he's taken that opportunity and grown. Now, certainly responding to what happened in, I think it was late September in that 4-2 defeat, away to Saswallo, to have turned that around and have performed as consistently
00:09:12
Speaker
not only the goals, but perform as consistently as he has done for both club and country. Remember, he played for for Italy, played 90 minutes in the match against North Macedonia in Rome, which was they did concede a couple of goals, but still very important for the country. So he's had this responsibility
00:09:28
Speaker
thrown on his shoulders and he's delivered very well. And I've been super impressed with these performances. Well, basically since then, I remember he scored in the Debbie de la mole against Torino a few weeks
Juventus' Scudetto Chances
00:09:39
Speaker
after that. And obviously in the last couple of city out fixtures, Monza and Napoli, he's been the match winner. So it is a beautiful story, really, really special story. And he's certainly been a key part as to why Juventus have been in such incredible form.
00:09:54
Speaker
Yes, he really has. And it's just like, like I said, I mean, for me, it's like he almost embodies everything that Allegra is done that is going well with you. I wanted to talk a little bit also by Kamyasa. I mean, we talk about him quite a bit on the pod, but I have to say, I think this has got to be one of the most intelligent signings you have done ever. I mean, if it continues to develop this way, the fact that he can play on the right, can play on the left, and he does so, he can invert him, he can play him wide.
00:10:20
Speaker
the Zombrota similarities aren't going away, are they? They're not. They're a player who can play everywhere and I think that's what's exciting most Juventus fans. The similarities are certainly there for me. It's been really refreshing to see, well, is he young? I guess 23, Seria, certainly under the leg of his young. So it's good to see a young Italian who's capable of playing in multiple positions come through and have the impact he's had. So I've been really pleased to see that. Again, really reinforcing the Italian part. It is good to see
00:10:50
Speaker
potential longer-term future international start to make his mark at a top club that has been really nice to see, but the role he's played for Juventus is the importance and also what's been more important is because he's had the consistency of appearances and the minutes
00:11:06
Speaker
We are starting to see consistent performances, which for a player who's jumped around a few clubs in recent seasons, it's never easy to move to a top club like this. Again, not even halfway through the season really consolidating himself as one of the key new players in any club in the top flight in Italy this season.
Debate on Vlahovic's Future
00:11:26
Speaker
keeping it, you know, obviously still in the earlier stages of his career here at Juventus, but really impressed with his start so far. No, he really has. He really, really has. And I wanted to just basically, you mentioned Dusan Vlawic. He was unlucky at the post. What do you make of, I mean, this has become, this is like, will he stay? Will you ever get rid of him? I mean, where are you? Do you think we're seeing the start of something here?
00:11:53
Speaker
I think I've chopped and changed my mind on Laevich or Wozni, to be honest. I certainly believe in and see the potential, but look, I guess that there was a lot more talk, particularly with a Bayern Munich before Kane went to Bayern last summer.
00:12:09
Speaker
I always was under the impression that if that 70-75 million offer comes and Juventus don't stand to lose any or too much money on the player, there was an opportunity to sell and reinvest elsewhere.
00:12:27
Speaker
Again, I mentioned the unity in the squad. You can tell it's very, very visible. The unity in that attacking trio, or whoever it is, whether it's Vlavic, Kiesa, whoever else is up there, the attackers are going through the ranks there in this team. Well, not attacking trio, but whichever attackers sort of rotate through that top two irrespective of how they play, what they play. This is a team through Vlavic, through Kiesa, through Milik, and all the attackers that go through that. I think they're building something together, more as a keen,
00:12:57
Speaker
I don't know if disrupting that at this time with this Juventus squad is the right thing to do. So Vl Joviฤ, still young, has proven he has been a capable player, certainly at Fiorentina of course, in the latter stages of his time there, where he's scoring lots of goals.
Juventus vs Inter Title Contenders
00:13:13
Speaker
I still think that potential inability is there.
00:13:16
Speaker
is Allegri the right manager for Vlovich? Well, that same question can be asked for anyone in that squad. Obviously, there's plenty of talk that perhaps Allegri may move on at the end of the season. Well, maybe it's worth keeping Vlovich under a new manager because then perhaps the sky's the limit.
00:13:34
Speaker
I think at this stage, I think my mindset as a Vistain, let's see Vlovich stay in the city at least for a little while longer for this Juventus team. But look, I think that debate can be had. And I think you can argue either side pretty strongly, but I'll stick with keeping him with this current U of S side for now.
00:13:52
Speaker
Yeah, and speaking of Juva, just to finish off, before moving to Napoli, you know, they're just two points off Inter, which is incredibly impressive. And we're going to get to Inter, who are saying this is, you know, the greatest attacking football Inter I've ever played in their history, and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But Juva are only two points behind. I mean, what do you see? Do you think Juva can win? Do you think this is sustainable, this model? Do you think Juva can actually do this?
00:14:20
Speaker
Look, you've touched on the results and the results of the fact that they've beaten everyone that needed to beat. It's plain and simple. And they've done it without conceding goals. And so as strong as any team in the league defensively, Juventus have proven that that's how titles are won. They've done that before. And at the moment,
00:14:39
Speaker
having played almost every team in the competition, they're on track to doing that again, at least challenging. My thoughts in the league this season is that Inter are by far the strongest, not only domestically, but right up there in Europe as well. So I think Inter are certainly the favourites, but it is great to see a strong battle between these two heavyweights, which I think certainly will go the distance. I'm very confident given the fact that Juventus don't have European football,
00:15:05
Speaker
I think that Inter have the ability to compete on all fronts for every single trophy on offer this season. But I think that when we get into particularly February, March and April, and into perhaps getting into the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League, I think this will be a moment for Juventus to certainly maintain the pace there. And I think this will go right down to the wire with Inter remaining their favourites.
Napoli's Form Concerns
00:15:26
Speaker
But I've been, look, from a very, very neutral perspective, which
00:15:30
Speaker
is how I work. I cover this competition in depth and obviously cover Italian football across the board in Europe and at international level. I'm just very, very pleased to see the top clubs in this country doing very well once again and obviously a couple of them going through some difficult moments, but it is just great to see that ongoing competition and really a bit of unpredictability as to who will win the league each and every season.
00:15:54
Speaker
Yeah, it is by far the most exciting league in the world. It's just not even. The fact that you have so many different potential winners and you can't really say with any certainty and also the madness of Italian football we're going to get to as well just keeps it going. I want to talk about Napoli because they are in deep trouble and they actually can miss top four, which to me was just unthinkable. I can't even believe I'm saying that. Likewise.
00:16:25
Speaker
It's virtually the exact same squad minus Kim and Jay, and it's just not working. They create, but they don't seem to be able to score. I mean, they created high-quality chances against Yuva, but they couldn't get a single finish on target. I'm thinking Matsari studied the ship defensively, but they aren't scoring.
00:16:46
Speaker
That's right. Look, I don't know. Getting into the mind of a Napoli fan right now, Moochana Spaletti has made the perfect decision. Obviously, I don't think if he left, I don't think they would be in this position. I think they'd be certainly right up there still challenging once again.
00:17:03
Speaker
It must be very frustrating, but I think this is an armpit team now that you're right. Unfortunately, and quite incredibly, they, not risk, but they seriously risk missing
Napoli's Struggles Compared to Last Season
00:17:13
Speaker
the top four. And obviously, if they are to miss out on top four for next season, if they are to miss out on a return to UEFA Champions League, well, that would almost certainly mean that the two main men up top will move on.
00:17:24
Speaker
I think that there's under no circumstance could I see Aussie men and God, Scalia remaining with Napoli next season, which would obviously set them back much further, because even if they were to get 100 plus for each player individually, who can you go and appeal to without Champions League football at that stage? I think it will be a very, very difficult sell with respect, of course, to the fact they still obviously remain the reigning champions of Italy.
00:17:51
Speaker
I haven't lost hope though. And I don't, because you said it, it's the same squad. It is the same squad who, yep, they're certainly now a little stronger defensively than we saw earlier in the season, but they're just lacking that, just that, that cutting edge up in attack. And then obviously that what we saw last season, and that's come with a couple of shaky results early on. And they just seem to have lost that conference already more defeats at the Maradona this season than for the entirety of last season.
00:18:19
Speaker
a defeat on the road to Juventus, a venue that they had success at last season. It just seems to be a very different look team than what we saw only a few months ago, but still impressed by some of their performances. Obviously they've taken two defeats, but they took it right up to Real Madrid.
00:18:36
Speaker
doesn't matter what form Real Madrid are in, that's always a big team to take on. They did take it right up to them, both at the Bernabeu and at the Matadona. And look, they were very lucky to go through the Champions League. They'll draw a very nice opponent in the round of 16, I'm sure. So look, they're still...
00:18:53
Speaker
stuff I just look forward to. But this is an upbeat team that over this upcoming period, it's not going to get any easier unless I start picking up some really important results. And they've got over this pretty difficult period now. And well, they got over it by just playing the matches because there wasn't much gain from from this difficult period. But a lot of winnable matches ahead. And they really now need to capitalise and get themselves back up the standings. I was looking at their fixtures now before coming
00:19:19
Speaker
before we got the recording underway and the likes of Monson, Torino and Salginitana
Napoli's Title Defense Reflections
00:19:24
Speaker
across the Christmas New Year period really we need to see this Napoli team now surging up the standings because otherwise that top four next season will become a long shot which is quite incredible to be saying. It really is and I mean I'm looking at
00:19:41
Speaker
their big game record. And that was something that was really good, and especially domestically last season, the top seven internal league table. So far, if you're looking at Europe, they lost twice to Real Madrid, fair enough. Then, lost to Inter, lost to Juve, lost to Lazio, lost to Fiorentina, draw Mila. Okay, they beat Atalanta. They won every single one of these games last season. That's right. They're losing the matches that count this time around.
00:20:10
Speaker
Yeah, they really are. They're not even taking points. They're just one or two. They drew Milan and beat Atalanta, but every other one, they're just getting nothing from it. And I'm starting to ask myself, I remember last season, everyone was discussing if Milan's title defense was the worst one of the last two decades. I'm wondering if Napoli's is worse than Milan.
00:20:34
Speaker
Well, I think you could be on to a strong point there. It's, to be honest, not something I've thought about until this exact moment. So this is my fresh reaction to this point. But no, look, I think it's a valid point, especially because of the fact that we are looking at effectively the same squad here, minus Kim.
00:20:54
Speaker
It has been just so disappointing. We know that irrespective of what happens this year, we know that Napoli, the club, we know that the city, we know they'll be talking about that Scudetto for years and years to come. It's just such an incredible place. I love going every time. I'm fortunate to cover a match there, but it is a beautiful, beautiful place. Look,
00:21:17
Speaker
Obviously they haven't celebrated the same amount of Scudetti as the two Milan clubs in Juventus and they have been very much living in the moments of their history. It is always such a beautiful place to visit and you always feel the passion, the love the fans have for the club, the city of course.
Napoli's Upcoming Matches
00:21:35
Speaker
And look, obviously they have been a club that haven't had the same success in terms of Scudetti as the two Milan clubs in Juventus.
00:21:43
Speaker
they have been a club that have celebrated Scudeti of the past and certainly irrespective of what happens this season. Last season Scudeti will be one that they will continue to celebrate for many years to come. It will always be a special memory, but there will still be disappointment because I do think, again, particularly from the matches in Champions League and obviously Sadia last season I did cover, it was evident that the fans there did feel that they were building something special.
00:22:12
Speaker
And that won't take anything away from the Scudetto, but it feels like it's already over. And going back to the initial part of it being maybe one of the more disappointing title defenses, I'm in shock where they are currently at. Okay, maybe they weren't as strong, going to be as strong as an into this season, obviously looking very strong on paper and getting much better champions and finalists. But I think there was still that belief and hope from the fans
00:22:41
Speaker
they would at least seriously challenge and again the fact that we're so early in the campaign and well their hopes of retaining that Scudetto are completely over it's yeah it must be a tough pill to swallow this early on but again I'm going to give them the benefit of that I do I do still have some optimism I still do and
Milan vs Atalanta Match Review
00:23:00
Speaker
I'd like to see them turn around, but they're going to have to do so very quickly because the gap to the top four, OK, very small today, but that can change very quickly tomorrow if they don't start picking up some points very soon. For sure. Absolutely. Someone, another team that could potentially be drawn into a battle for top four is Milan. Things are not looking good there at all. I mean, this was an incredible game against the Atalanta Milan game. And I want to start.
00:23:29
Speaker
Well, let's start from the Milan perspective. I thought the positive was to see Mike Mignon making the miracle saves that he usually does, especially with, I think, with Lukman. That is one of the saves of the year. I've never seen... When he does these miracles, it's just he's unbelievable. Some of the saves he does are just
00:23:50
Speaker
I guess it's just genuinely crazy. And I don't think you're going to really blame him for any of the goals. I think Benasse coming back is incredibly important for them. Theo, in a back four, actually has worked out really well as a central defender. Luca Joviฤ scoring again. And I mean, of course, they showed resilience and character to get back twice. And you could even say that I felt that after Joviฤ equalized, they could have gone on for the win, gone on and gone for the win.
00:24:19
Speaker
So I think this was a step forward in performance wise. Would you agree with that? I do. I do agree with that. Obviously they come up against an opponent not in the best form themselves in Atalanta, but there were positives to take away obviously.
00:24:37
Speaker
It's been a tough period for this club with a number of injuries and a number of issues and obviously the Champions League schedule has been very tricky. No easy games in that competition ever, but certainly not in Milan's case. But look, it was a good spectacle for Serie A.
00:24:54
Speaker
Let's say that as a starting point. It was a very, very good match, an incredible finish to the match. But it's the Milan team, Nima, with many, many areas to analyze, to assess, and perhaps change as they go forward. But look, I think they will take positives out of the game. I can't wait to see what happens in the Champions League this week, whereas Milan go to Newcastle because the Newcastle team who have issues of their own. But look, for Milan,
00:25:22
Speaker
As I said, I think there are each line of the park on the pitch, off the pitch, there are questions to be asked. And this is a club at this stage, at this point of the season, that could be analysed for the entirety of the program. But as things stand, they remain third. They remain third fairly comfortably for now.
Milan's Leadership and Discipline Issues
00:25:40
Speaker
And obviously, given Napoli's struggles this season, I think that does give them the edge when we talk about who will
00:25:47
Speaker
be in the running pretty seriously for the top four this season. So look, it hasn't been a perfect season by any stretch for Milan, but given what they've gone through, given the issues they've had, the injuries they've had, I'm not saying they'll take it being, you know, nine points a drift of into at this point, but
00:26:03
Speaker
I think they're doing as well as they can at this stage of the season. They are, but I have to talk about the negatives in this game. To me, Calabria, what's going on here? Qualitatively, he's a squad player at Milan. He was a fantastic season when they won the Scoredetto, no doubt. But to me, he's a squad player at Milan, let alone being a captain. And the lack of leadership qualities to be a captain and the ridiculous discipline
00:26:33
Speaker
two bookings in thirty minutes the second of the ninety third minute in the middle of the pitch when you can actually your team can actually go on to win win the game for me that's that's unforgivable. It's a militant that really lack leadership at this point and i think that's been.
00:26:49
Speaker
glaringly obvious on many occasions this season. I'm covering so many Milan fixtures. It's a very different Milan team than when there was the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for example, whether he was playing or not. This week, there have been reports all but confirmed that Zlatan will make a return to Milan finally and be part of the board again.
00:27:11
Speaker
that's expected to be confirmed very soon. And it is all about just getting those figures back at this proud club. And for Calabria, look, I think the reality is he's not an Italian national team player. He perhaps is in a stronger Milan team. You're right. He's probably a squad player, but given the time he spent at the club and given the fact that he's
00:27:35
Speaker
He's someone who understands the club. I guess that's why he does have the armband at this point. But it was disappointing. A couple of yellow cards there in that short time towards the end of the match and it will be suspended now. That's not leadership material. So it was a disappointing end to the match. Of course, Muriel scored what? 90 seconds after that second booking, which just
00:27:58
Speaker
just made that moment even worse. So again, many areas to analyse and discuss, and certainly defensively, certainly in terms of its leadership, this is a team that need to shake up on that front. And I do think that given the major turnover for Milan, obviously, Tonali sold big money
00:28:20
Speaker
Milan went out and purchased a number of players. Look, I was optimistic from a Milan point of view, but I was never confident that adding so many new players to a team would suddenly turn things around and just suddenly bring them back to the top of the game. I think it's going to take some time. And I certainly think that patience is required.
Milan's Inconsistency
00:28:41
Speaker
But the leaders that are currently there, and Colombia being one, he's been there for so many years, that they need to be
00:28:48
Speaker
again, leading from the front. Look at Agati at Juventus. Hasn't been there for that many years, but I think he's playing with that passion that what it takes to be a Juventus player, you see so many Juventus players of all talk about that love they feel for that club. I think Milan lack that identity at the moment and obviously only a handful of players. I'm just looking at the 11 from the weekend. How many of those players have been there for multiple years? Well, not many at all. So it's a club in transition. But I think, as I said, I think it is a club that
00:29:18
Speaker
At their best I guess although they haven't been too impressive I think this is their level at this point in time. Yeah that could be very well it and to me I think to build on that point that you said I think there's a lack of belief in the sense that
00:29:35
Speaker
You know, this game, they didn't create that much, but they had efficiency. But the belief wasn't there. Whilst games and the Champions League, Dortmund and Newcastle especially, they created loads. I just couldn't seem to score because it didn't feel like they believed in it enough. Nima, that's spot on. I can't. I can't. I'd love your take on it because, again, covering there has been such a difference this season. Being their pitch side covering Milan in the Champions League,
00:30:01
Speaker
compared to covering Milan in a lesser Serie A match. An example, the matches were very, very close when there was the PSG home matchday four Champions League, and it was actually three days apart. It was Udonese on a Saturday night, Sun Siro, Udonese went to Sun Siro 1-1-0.
00:30:21
Speaker
It was a lacklustre performance from the 11 on the pitch, the substitutes that came on, even the feeling in the crowd. There was something different. Three days later, it was PSG. It was something special.
Atalanta's Victory Celebration
00:30:34
Speaker
There was a feeling of magic in the air. I remember saying it on the broadcaster I was working for that night. I didn't come here optimistic that Milan would get the result tonight, but as I entered the stadium and I felt what was going on inside, it felt like they were going to do it. Obviously, they came from behind. They won 2-1.
00:30:50
Speaker
it has felt like there has been a bit of that spark lacking. And where does that start? Where does that come from? Again, I do think that does come from leaders, but I also think that that's where the management need to come into question because that's an important role in motivating a squad. So is that purely, I'm not sure, but certainly there is something lacking on that motivational front that we have seen in recent more successful seasons.
00:31:19
Speaker
I agree. We just got to pay tribute to Atalanta and start with, we can't start anywhere else other than Luis Muriel take about. What a magical goal that is. When he is at his best, I don't think there's any doubt that Muriel produces
00:31:37
Speaker
moments of pure world class. The question has always been with him is that he's too inconsistent a player to be branded world class, but his ceiling is unbelievable. That's one of the most beautiful goals I've seen.
00:31:51
Speaker
beautiful, beautiful finish. And obviously against Manjan, who had been wonderful once again. Amazing. Look, and in a short cameo to come off the bench and do that, having not had too many touches on the ball, you could use every adjective in the book. It was absolutely perfect. And yeah, well, what to wait. It was his first set of goal for the season as well. Yeah.
00:32:15
Speaker
special, another special moment. And those moments of brilliance, again, he's right up there with the very best in Sadia, who have done it over the years. He's highlight reel, very special indeed. Yeah. And then just Adam Ola Lokman, Lokman continues to impress. He should have had a hat trick. He had a shocking miss, but, you know, he did have a brace. And I'm thinking he looks, he's looking like he could be the next big money sell for Atlanta.
00:32:37
Speaker
That's the way they do things. They do. The one thing about Scalbina, I wanted to ask your opinion about that because I think with him, me and Carlo have been discussing, we're not quite sure what to think of him. But I think he's actually very good going forward. He's relentless. I mean, that position when he wins two tackles and pushes forward, that's him. And I'm starting to question, and also because of how poor he is defensively, is center back even his position?
00:33:07
Speaker
Yeah, I'm yeah, I think I'm certainly on the side of perhaps a little freer up the park is more Sculvini's go. He does look more comfortable when he looks certainly many times he does look uncomfortable defensively, one on one situations. And I think he's a player who what we saw, we saw some moments at the weekend against me like getting so high up the pitch and look, he is still so very young. This is this is again, putting my Italy hat on here. This is
00:33:36
Speaker
very good to see a player who is capable in various roles. I think perhaps we could see maybe Aratolanta the player shift to a position a little higher up the park, which would be thrilling to see. Of course, he has had some very difficult moments defensively, especially for the national team. He played, it was the Italy-England match, I think, where perhaps wasn't gone.
00:33:57
Speaker
Yeah, I was there. Yeah, and speaking of someone who had a shocking miss and a shocking, well, 10 years since moving to Italy, Charles de Kietler, that has got to be the miss of the season.
Concerns Over Charles De Ketelaere
00:34:09
Speaker
I mean, that's genuinely embarrassing. I wish for his sake it didn't happen in this match, but I think unfortunately you're spot on. His reaction too was just, he just had buried in this match. I mean, I feel bad for the kid now. I mean, this is getting ridiculous.
00:34:26
Speaker
No, I do. He did get his assist though. He came away happy in the end at least. Look, I have to say with Decatello, a good friend of mine, and he's been on the show here before, Paul Ocon, of course former Australia captain, he was the assistant coach of Decatello at Club Bruges. Now he told me,
00:34:44
Speaker
very much. He was very excited when De Kateller made the move from Club Bruges to Milan. He said that he's as good on the ball, as exciting a young player as he had seen come through that Club Bruges, the academy, the ranks there. I've always had an extra soft spot for De Kateller, but moments like that, I guess, don't help his cause. But I'm still hopeful that he can turn around because
00:35:08
Speaker
He's had a very, very tough start to life in Italy, certainly in his time at Milan. He's had a decent goal of it so far at Atlanta, but I do wish for his sake he would have put that away because he needed that and that would have been a good moment for him personally. But in any case, he's going to win the award for the biggest miss of the season, I think after that.
00:35:30
Speaker
It's just unbelievable. And he's already got one as well. I mean, it was a couple of weeks back here last year, that header from point blank range, it was like, oh, my days. It's I really feel bad for him. And I'm starting to think, you know, time is running out here. And are we potentially talking about him being the worst signing in the city of the last
Roma's Draw with Fiorentina
00:35:51
Speaker
two decades? If you take into consideration how much he costs as well? Well, perhaps with performances like that, he unfortunately may be the case. Look,
00:35:59
Speaker
How much time, how much time can the play get it? Look, he's, he's got the talent about him, but if he's not delivering on the big stage, well, yeah, the, the money that was invested in the player, there is that pressure that comes with it. So the pressure is certainly on again, another miss and performance like that at the weekend, perhaps doesn't help his cause there to, to console that his future in the country. But he's again, still in the earlier stages of, of another move to another club.
00:36:28
Speaker
give him some time and hopefully for his sake he can turn it around. But yeah, it's going to have to happen very quickly because that pressure isn't going to stop. No, it's not. And it's, it's a shame cause cause I do think we do. There is a player there. I just don't
00:36:42
Speaker
I just don't understand because I mean, Atalanta is really the right, you think, you know, when you look at an objective, you think, okay, Milan was a step too high up from Clabrugge, from Clabrugge to go with the reigning champions. Fine. But Atalanta is the right Piazza, no? And then you see him doing stuff like that. And, you know, you can, one thing though, he did get the assist. He did make some good forward runs. Hopefully he can turn around because I do think there's a player that I really do. I hope so for his sake. I really do. I look, he's a,
00:37:12
Speaker
It was tough. It was tough for him in Milan. I hope he can turn it around. But that's that's football, the highest level there. That pressure is there. He's got some some opportunities against against some weaker opponents with respect in the incoming weeks and obviously another Europa League match to come. So plenty of opportunities ahead. But the pressure well and truly on. And then for Atlanta, then Gasperini.
00:37:31
Speaker
you know, finally wins a big game. I mean, they lost to Inter, they lost to Napoli, they lost to Fiorentina, they lost to Lazio, they've drew, they drew Juve. And now they, they win, win a big game and they're absolutely in the top four race. And they're in it with Roma who, I don't know what to call, what happened. If Inter are known Pazza Inter, then I don't know what to call Roma, their cycle.
00:37:58
Speaker
Well, Roma have Mourinho, Mourinho remembers what it's like to be a Dinter. But Roma, Nima, Roma is the team that I, it's very, very hard to assess, to analyse. Roma can be a lot of fun, it can be a lot of crazy, it can be a lot of everything and look for this Roma team.
00:38:18
Speaker
Well, where to start? Obviously, nine men, they finish off the Lukaku Red. There's crazy scenes, as always. Great atmosphere at the Olympic, or a one-one against Fiorentina. A Di Barre injury, which is not good
Mourinho's Management at Roma
00:38:31
Speaker
news there on that front, but still unbeaten in the city. They had the defeat to Inter late October. That was their only defeat for the last two months.
00:38:40
Speaker
Yeah, it's a Roma team that somehow, someway are well and truly in the race for the top four. And Mourinho has had his moments this season. He's had his red cards and been sent off, but it's a team that are picking up enough points to keep themselves in the race. I want to pick up on that because I look, I love Michelson Mourinho 100%. I mean, he's an interest as an interest. I would love Mourinho and the magic that he pulled winning the treble there.
00:39:05
Speaker
But this awful discipline stuff that Roma, Zalivsky's stupid second yellow Lukaku with a horror tackle. I'm thinking you'll probably get three matches suspension for that. And, and then you, and I'm starting to think, and I'm looking at Mourinho and his antics and the stuff that he says and does, and, and his backroom staff being sent off all the time. Look, I know Mourinho's always wanted to create an us against them mentality and his teams have always been teams that play
00:39:35
Speaker
hard teams to play against, but now they're playing ugly. I think Roma are an ugly side under Mourinho, and I mean in the sense of the way that they foul is just so cynical. I've never seen Mourinho teams do this, and I'm thinking, what's going on
Speculation on Mourinho's Future
00:39:53
Speaker
here? Surely all of this is Mourinho's fault, no?
00:39:56
Speaker
I agree and it's that word ugly which I have to also unfortunately agree with because it's not pretty on the eye it's not well some of those challenges of the weekend you know uncalled for unnecessary and it's it's disappointing of course even even last season I was there in Budapest the final the Sevilla Roma final and just some of the the comments in the lead-up in the post match it sets the tone it's it's what it's what Mourinho's Roma are all about and
00:40:26
Speaker
They were hard done by in that match for me. There was obviously a couple of moments that perhaps could have gone their way as opposed to against them. But you're right. I don't know really what you don't know what to expect from Mourinho's Romay, except that it is going to be ugly. That's that's the consistent theme. And that yes, they are getting some results. There have been some dramatic wins. It was what the lecture match a couple of weeks ago where they
00:40:51
Speaker
scored two goals in stoppage time and then came from behind and win. So they are pulling off some really dramatic results. But overall the football division, I start to think when I look at a Mourinho team like this, how much longer will Jose be there for? And is it perhaps the
00:41:09
Speaker
the beginning of the end of this phase of his career at this club. And that's sort of where my mind drifts to as I see that sort of football. We know more than yours had great success everywhere he's been. And if he decides to retire tomorrow, if he decides to move on tomorrow, he will always be regarded as the legend of the game. And yeah, just I think I just get the feeling that perhaps this is the the latter stages of his time in the capital.
Roma's Missed Opportunities
00:41:33
Speaker
I couldn't agree more. And I'm once done and think that this is the latter stages of his career at club football too. I'm starting to think that maybe international football is where it's at for him with Portugal or whoever. And yeah, because this is, this is genuinely unwatchable. And I don't mean, you know, I'm not talking about how beautiful play I'm talking about the, the ugliness of it, the cynicism of it. And,
00:41:59
Speaker
And the fact that he just doesn't seem to, you know, in the past, Mourinho had itself, you know, he could reflect upon himself and now it's just, he's turned into this like, it's gone toxic in a way, everything, where it's always someone else's fault. It's Berardi's fault. It's the referee's fault.
00:42:21
Speaker
There's no self-awareness there at all. I'm looking at it and I'm going, why are you doing this? Why are you turning the entire environment into this toxic hellhole when you're actually in locked in race for the top four? You have a decent squad that can take you far in Europe. Who knows? You can actually win it this time with a bit of a good draw.
00:42:41
Speaker
And this is a missed opportunity for you. You could have put some distance between yourself and Fiorentina, a direct
Roma's Top-Four Chances
00:42:47
Speaker
rival. You could have put some distance between yourself and Napoli and Bolon and Atalanta, especially Napoli, who will wake up and will have an easier fixture list now. And instead, this nonsense, this complete and utter nonsense,
00:43:01
Speaker
I genuinely, I don't understand it. Like I genuinely don't get what he's thinking. No, I don't. And everything you've just touched on there, that's not benefiting anyone. And that's where I don't see where the logic comes into it. And it's all I can put it down to. I can't get in the mind of Jose Mourinho, but all I put it down to is it's lacking a bit of care because he's just doing it without real thought. And then that's where I start to raise the question. Well, is he starting to check himself out a little bit? Because it really, really makes no sense.
00:43:31
Speaker
for anyone involved. It's not benefiting their relationship with the league, with the referees, with the clubs, with anyone. It's not helping them. You'll be calling out the media, calling out journalists, you're responding to them in different languages. You're not maintaining good relations with anyone. So what's the plan? I'm not quite sure, but we'll say, well, I've been there and done it and won it all. So let me do my way. That's the best way. And we just watch on. But look, I enjoy the entertainment, but it's certainly not doing Roma any favors for me.
00:44:00
Speaker
It's really not. And I think it's such a shame because it's a missed opportunity. I think Roma actually have a shot at finishing in the top four, either winning the Europa League and getting back to the Champions League and this nonsense, the lack of discipline.
Fiorentina's Attacking Challenges
00:44:11
Speaker
That's the thing. Mourinho's teams have never lacked discipline. Now I feel there's no discipline. It feels like I get the sense when I watch Roma that Gianluca Mancini has calmed down, but everyone else has caught the Mancini's back. Good way to put it.
00:44:30
Speaker
And it's crazy, it's a team of Gianluca Mancini's back in the day when he was unhinged. And he's the least unhinged on this Roma team. And I'm thinking, this is not normal. No, it's not. And even, look, again, just bringing up the Lukaku challenge again, he read cards as Lukaku had at club level, but I wouldn't think too many in his career. And it was just a bizarre challenge for
00:44:54
Speaker
for him to do that at that stage of the match, again, making no sense. So not that that direction is coming directly from the coach, but there is that tone and that attitude and that approach to, to play in a manner of, I guess, a very physical manner. And the player has responded and he's done that, which made absolutely no sense. So yeah, certainly questions need to be asked there. But Roma, if they are to, to play that style,
00:45:21
Speaker
With that style of discipline, that will hinder their chances of a top four finish next season. We certainly will. And just to touch on Fiorentina quickly, I mean, they were invited right back into the game after the Zalewski injury. And I think they will be kicking themselves not to want to, given that Roma ended with 10 men. And this is something we've been discussed on the pod quite a bit where Carlo and I disagree a little bit. I'm keen to hear what you think. Yes, Fiorentina create chances, but the attack lacks bite.
00:45:47
Speaker
Is it an Italiano problem for not being able to develop the players he's got? Is it just bad luck? Is it a qualitative issue? Is it all of the above? What's your thoughts? Fiorentina have been a good watch.
00:46:01
Speaker
was my first love in football, Nima Fiorentina. So I've always got a soft spot for Fiorentina. It is a beautiful, beautiful city, but look, it's a Fiorentina team who, who've had their, who've certainly had their moments, but yeah, I think the quality and attack
00:46:19
Speaker
against some of the top clubs that maybe have just come undone a little.
Luka Jovic's Improved Form
00:46:23
Speaker
I was at the Milan match just before, just before the end of the month there. And yeah, it was, look, they had their half chances, but it wasn't, they had the bulk of the play. They had more of the attacks, but just not threatening enough in that final third. And obviously I've really enjoyed Bonaventura's turnaround in his performances this season, but I think they certainly could do with another attacker of
00:46:48
Speaker
a high level of quality if they wish to compete both domestically and in Europe. So, look, I think it is a bit of a combination of all, but Italiano, I've loved his progression. It's been good to watch and I'm sure he goes on to a bigger club and I'm sure with more of that quality in the final third, maybe his ideas,
00:47:07
Speaker
come to fruition a little stronger. But it's, look, I think it's a little bit of everything. So I'm a bit on the fence with this one with the Viola here, but I think where they're at, where they're playing, how they're performing at all levels, it's been a really refreshing story to see. Well, not a fallen giant, but obviously one of it's these famous clubs like right back up there doing nice things.
00:47:29
Speaker
always keeping a close eye on it on Italiano and Fiorentina. But yeah, I think if they really want to compete, just that added quality in an attack would make all the difference. But look, in any case, it's been a positive start again to the season. It is. And I mean, the reason I mean, if Luca Jovic continues to score and he continues to do it at Milan, but he was just unwatchable at Fiorentina, I think there has to be some questions need to be asked of Italiano that, OK, you play attacking football.
00:47:56
Speaker
but it doesn't seem like, you know, you can't always be the attackers and it's been quite a few attackers that have failed under him.
Inter's Dominance in Serie A
00:48:04
Speaker
Has been the case. I think Jovic, look, Jovic is a, what an interesting career Jovic has had. Obviously he scored in those last couple of games, but just from, just from my perspective, I think he's a difficult player to be able to, to judge Italiano on it. He's still finding his feet. Obviously a Milan's been good to see him get amongst the goals recently, but
00:48:24
Speaker
Obviously, he's not been anywhere near the level. He was before he made that move to rearm Madrid consistently. So it's a player who Looked it to just judge Italiano on he no, okay, perhaps but I think I think he still needs a bit more I think a few more examples to see where Italianos that but look I think the players of higher quality across the board He's got he's got good ideas. Let's just see. Let's just see how he would go at that high level I think it'd be an interesting prospect and of course perhaps a
00:48:52
Speaker
A candidate for a potential big club job that may become available in the, well, maybe mid-season, but probably at the end of this season, if a few clubs decide to make a few big calls. Yeah, I mean, I think Napoli, Italiano Napoli feels like, either D'Serbi or Italiano Napoli feels like a logical move. Moving to Inter, who we mentioned a couple of times already, against Odinese,
00:49:18
Speaker
Another dominant performance, 74% ball possession, an XG of three and a half, eight shots on target, 17 in total. They hit the woodwork. They could have scored nine and it looked so effortless. That's what I'm, you know, that that's what I look at this, the way that Inter felt like they were going on in second gear or first gear. They didn't, it didn't feel like Inter were pushing too high.
00:49:45
Speaker
I mean, Lautaro, 14 goals now in 15 Serie A matches. He's on course to score well over 30 plus in the Serie A. And I wanted to pick your brains on this, because I don't know where I stand on it. But there's this discussion in Italian media, if the football that Inter play is the best attacking football Inter have ever played. I thought Gianfelice Faketti, the son of Giacinto Faketti, say something to that effect. What do you make of that? Look, I think it's a fair
00:50:15
Speaker
It's a fairly strong point. This is an inter-team that are as good as any team we've seen in Serie A for me in recent season. I think as good as any team in Italy since the 15 Juventus team that went to the final in Berlin against Barcelona in the Champions League and it's a team that are absolutely, for me, they're complete. Stronger than last season. I was there at the Champions League final and
00:50:37
Speaker
Obviously, on another night, they win that match. They beat Manchester City, no problem, because it was an incredible performance. And that's the level that this Inter Milan team are at. That's why, for me, they're the clear favourites to win the Scudetto this season. They're the clear, for me, they're a clear top, top team to go very deep in the Champions
Inter's Champions League Potential
00:50:53
Speaker
League again, irrespective of what some of our friends in England might say, with Arsenal being perhaps being stronger than them for no reason whatsoever. But this is an Inter Milan team who have absolutely impressed me.
00:51:06
Speaker
I love covering their matches at sunset or watching with, you know, with a sellout crowd and the support and the love. And this is a club that are doing wonderful things in the city of Milan. And I think it's a, it's a team on every single line that they're strong, they're together, they're the signings have been absolutely remarkable. Yann Sommer, I knew he's a, he's a top goalkeeper and I knew that would be an absolute steal. I had no doubt about that. Same as Pavard of course injured at the moment, but these are,
00:51:34
Speaker
real deal players at the absolute top of their game and obviously sorry for the Onana situation but given what Sommer has done and what Onana has done that's made that move look even better. So it's been remarkable in goal. Lautaro for me is one of the very best players in world football at the moment on form. Turam is one of the best signings of the season across any competition. That midfield is as good as any midfield and obviously defensively they've started to build
00:52:01
Speaker
Well, they're built on what was a strong, a strong partnership defensively. The trailer last, last season, it's got even better with, with some depth as well. So nothing to fault about this entertainment. Zagi has done remarkable things and really need to need to believe and dream big because this is a team for me that really can win it all this season. And I know you said that.
00:52:23
Speaker
Here's the thing that you said on social media as well that look, don't sleep on Inter to win the Champions League. And I know other people have said so as well. I mean, they went to the final last season and they look better this season. My only thing with with that is or this notion of this is the best attacking football Inter have ever played in their history and so on.
00:52:42
Speaker
I actually think, I'm not quite there yet, I actually think that there were moments in Zaggy's first season where Inter played fantastic football, absolutely stunning football, even better than now, but they didn't end up winning that. But I do think that there is a different, but on the other hand then, I'd say, well, this is a different Inter, it's a much more mature Inter, it's not an Inter that bum-rush games, they control them, they are much more mature, I mean, there was a start of,
00:53:10
Speaker
some something like eight or nine games have been one in the second half point that the season in the city alone and the fact that they act like that and that's what you need to do as a big team. But. The champions league point is really intriguing for me because I see you say this the other other people say it as well and I'm thinking. What is it about this into the site that has you thinking that they can compete with the likes of well above all buying Munich for me.
00:53:36
Speaker
Hmm. I'm with you as well. I think buying, buying are on top.
Praise for Inter's Squad Depth
00:53:40
Speaker
I, it's a good question now. What is it? It's, it's obviously off the back of last season because again, I really strongly believe that that final was there to be one and Manchester city win. And they're the, they're the best team in, in Europe. And that that's that. So history states that, but it's a Manchester city team at the moment that remain the favorites for, for the champions league to defend their crown. But I don't think this is a Manchester city team that
00:54:05
Speaker
are looking as good as they were last season. So certainly not writing them off. If Inter were to draw Man City, I think that Man City would go in as favourites in that tie. But that's the case. They're the team on top. Bayern Munich, I agree with you. They're my team on top. Obviously the addition of Kane just, well, that complements what they were lacking. And that's still a very, very strong team top to bottom. Real Madrid are probably the next one there and it's Inter for me next. So look, I think what
00:54:31
Speaker
gives me the confidence that Inter can match these clubs is the fact that I think Inter is the best unit. I think Inter is the best squad. I think that Man City have had a couple of changes. And as I said, I just don't think this is the same Man City as last season. Bayern, obviously with Kane, but they have had a couple of really underwhelming performances this season. They were beaten at the weekend by Untracked Frankfurt 5-1. They've had a couple of matches. I covered their match against Manchester United in match day, one of the Champions League. They won it 4-3, but
00:55:02
Speaker
Conceded three goals to Manchester United, they let their guard down defensively very easily on a few occasions. So look, it is perhaps picking a few particular moments, but I don't get the sense that these teams are unbeatable. Real Madrid as well. We know how good they are. We know how good they are in the Champions League, but obviously this is a Real Madrid team who, well, they're not at their absolute best. They do have the signing of the season in Bellingham who was doing ridiculous things,
00:55:30
Speaker
This is a team that are not as deep as we've seen under Anshaloti in previous years, not as deep as the Real Madrid squads we've seen previously. And we know that that depth, particularly in the latter stages of the European season, really come into play. And this is an inter-team that, well, it was against Benfica, effectively played a second team and in order to rest for the Napoli match. And obviously the 3-3 against Benfica, not ideal, but the result was enough, come out against Napoli, seven goals in the last two fixtures.
00:55:58
Speaker
Going into the Real Saucy Dad match this week, I think this will be a statement performance by Inzaghi's Inter and I've engaged very lightly Nima and a couple of debates ahead of this match and putting myself on the line saying that Inter will comfortably beat Real Saucy Dad because they are really one of the favourites in my eyes. So look, I just think that Inzaghi has played it perfectly this season to date and I think they have the depth and quality in the new signings that have come in that are as good as any other of the top clubs in European football.
Bologna's Strong Season
00:56:28
Speaker
Just very confident from what I've seen in the first few months that they have what it takes to go very deep again this season. Well, from your mouth to God's ears, eh? This is just briefly rest of the Serie A Salah Nithana lose to Bologna, Bologna having an incredible season, but I have to say Salah Nithana goalkeeper Costile making two, I don't even know what to call that.
00:56:51
Speaker
gifting two goals, who does continue to impress, and Bologna continue to impress, they're punching well above their weight, they created quite a few chances to score, and we focus on the woodwork. How far do you think they can go? I mean, they are equal with Roma, surely they can't get a top four spot, no?
00:57:13
Speaker
look, stranger things have happened. And it is a Bologna team playing some really, really nice football. And again, look, these stories are always wonderful. Bologna team under a manager who has, well, had a strong start, but obviously he's moved around and now he's found a place where he's been able to really unlock the potential of this club. And it's, it is great to see, but I'll tell you my, my, uh, I guess my analysis post Salina one Bologna two,
00:57:40
Speaker
My reaction is this. I look at the, I look at the league. I look at where things are at. And I, I've had the debate with myself for a long time where said he should go to enhance and strengthen the competition going forward. Do we need to go back to 18 team competition at some point? Like the Bundesliga have, when I see performances like this, some of the errors made, I think I am in favor of perhaps going back to an 18 team league at some points. I think that the,
00:58:08
Speaker
just to ensure that that quality at the bottom, we've seen some, with respect, we've seen some really poor teams be relegated from CDR over the last decade or so. It's something that I always think about when I see moments like that. On the other side from Bologna, the story magnificent. I love fairy tales, but if this Bologna team were to make the Champions League next season, if they were to finish in the top four, that's not going to end well for anyone because the club would lose its top players, no doubt about that.
00:58:37
Speaker
Bologna as a club to be able to remain competitive in three competitions is going to be near impossible. That's not going to benefit Italy's coefficient ranking. That's not going to benefit Celia's future prospects in Europe. I look at things like this neutrally. I cover Italian football, you know how I work. And that's not going to be something that's going to bring more eyeballs to our competition. And I'm all for these stories. I love them. I hope Bologna do exceptionally well. It's nothing against Bologna specifically.
00:59:06
Speaker
but it is a moment for our league where in order to maintain the pace with the top competitions, we need money, we need investment, as we have discussed for many, many times, and we need our clubs performing very well in all competitions.
Lazio's Inconsistent Performances
00:59:19
Speaker
And a result with these two sides who are at different ends of the standings, but it just gave me a moment to just reflect on where the league is at. And we obviously have a few issues that we need to analyze, discuss and improve in. And I just think that there are a couple of
00:59:35
Speaker
areas where across the board, if our mid table clubs like a Bologna, like, uh, I guess if you're in Tino's in there, Torino, these clubs, if they had more money behind them, if they had more opportunities to develop, like the clubs in England that have more wealth across the board, we would be in a better position to facilitate these clubs playing European football and facilitate these dream fairytale runs. But at this stage, if that club were to go into Europe, that's not benefiting anyone next season. So.
01:00:04
Speaker
I don't want to be sour or negative on the moment, but that's just my, my take from, from that match between those two sides in contrasting form. And one person who would definitely leave Bologna or I think he will regardless. I mean, if they finish, you know, I think they'll finish in the top seven. I think European sport feels, feels really, you know, feels almost a foregone conclusion, although nothing's done. It's far from it, but Tiago Mota, he's, is he ready for a big club now?
01:00:30
Speaker
Well I think with a couple of the roles that will all but certainly become available and given this performance with this bull on your team I think that the moment will be there and the moment will present itself and then it's a moment which obviously we'll have to take so I think so. It's been an exciting journey for him so far and if he can again look I think it's always the case we discussed with Italiano before but for an opportunity for a manager to go into
01:00:57
Speaker
bigger club with a bigger budget with higher profile players with more with more quality in it and more depth in the squad. It's really exciting to see if that individual can take the next step and and you know, across multiple competitions in Europe as well. So I think if the opportunity presents itself, it will be a beneficial one for all involved and really excited to see what the future holds because he's he's got his ideas, he's got his he's got his philosophies and he's sticking to it and
Monza's Management Potential
01:01:44
Speaker
Helas Lazio, I've given up on Lazio. I watch them and they just confound me. They're an enigma. How do you finish second in the Champions League? You can actually win your Champions League group. We're going to get to that in a moment. And then you can't beat Helas away. I don't understand. It's such a head scratcher with Lazio.
01:01:46
Speaker
I'd really love to see him take on the very best at the top of the game.
01:02:10
Speaker
Now there's even the fans are fed up with Sari now. More and more fans are screaming Sari out. But I'm thinking, well, is it really Sari out? Is it more lotito out? Is it that they didn't sell Immobula? I'm confused, Adrian. What do you think? No, I'm scratching. I'm doing as much scratching, if not more than you, Anima, because the results are all over the place. It's a club that is struggling.
01:02:40
Speaker
I'd say more so off the pitch in terms of where they're at, what they're doing. Obviously they lost Milinkovich Savage and it's a, it's a club with some very still some, a lot of quality in this squad and they have their moments where they are with a very impressive and play some incredible football. Of course, they've had some of the, the moments of the season, the champions league, they've had some really special moments, but just so inconsistent, obviously not so much harmony amongst the fan base towards the manager.
01:03:09
Speaker
the manager, I saw the comments recently Sadi made about his time in England, which I thought were bizarre as well. That's all I've got. It's a very confusing one, but it must be a frustrating one because if things go well this week, they can win their Champions of the Group, which would be remarkable. I mean, that would be the most latzial thing ever, wouldn't it? Like, can't beat Hellas away, but yeah, we can beat Atletico Madrid away and win our Champions of the Group. It just makes no sense.
01:03:38
Speaker
Monza Genoa, Danny Motosco is the only goal. And speaking of great managers, Rafaela Paladino, he seems destined for greatness.
Future of Italian Football Coaches
01:03:48
Speaker
But when he was appointed at Monza, Adriano Galliani called him, was it with lunch with you? It's a special memory, this one.
01:04:00
Speaker
I live in Milan and I live very central in the city and I have been fortunate to do a lot of work with a lot of the top former players and yeah, very frequently find myself at lunch with a lot of these guys and there was one particular lunch where I was in my area, very central with a couple of the former players, Vieri and Martri and Borealu and Paladino was actually there at the time and yes, did receive a call which then led to a basic
01:04:30
Speaker
meeting just to finalize the formalities at the same place we had the lunch and then they closed that over at dinner and then they closed the deal and that was that. So yeah, it was there. It was my little slice of history with Monza and Palatino at this point. And that's how business is done in Italy. So it was good to be a part of the early stages of his journey there.
01:04:55
Speaker
Yeah, a friend of mine, Nicolas Quira, he had a hashtag a few years back that he called Chena del Mercato, which is like where he used to basically go out for food and drinks. But yeah, that's how it works in Milan. It really is like that. It's absolutely hilarious. Of course, Paladino is definitely someone who I think is someone interesting, and I think he's doing a great job. And I love how he
01:05:20
Speaker
Just to touch on that Italian angle. I love how he continues to play young players and young Italian players. And I love how I'm showing them. And just to watch him. I mean, I'm a big fan of Lorenzo Colombo. I love Colpani. I think Colpani is something special. And it's nice to see what he can do because I think as an Italian coach, the next generation Italian coach, I think you're going to have to do work this way. You're going to have to improve the players you've got because of the lack of funds. Where do you see Paladino going next?
01:05:51
Speaker
Well, I think that's really, I'll just pick up on that last point. I think that's really important because even though Italy have been a country that haven't now consistently produced a whole heap of young talent, the young coaches are still coming through. Italy still remain very, very strong at developing coaches. And I certainly feel that the, that the understanding of where the league is at in terms of the money there, they can't just spend the same amounts of money as other top clubs and top leagues are paying. So they're going to have to focus on what they've got.
01:06:20
Speaker
and that's developing the youth players. So it's an exciting time. And with that mindset, I think where can he go next?
Upcoming Champions League Matches
01:06:29
Speaker
Look, again, I really do feel that the summer ahead, there will be some significant change on the coaching front. And look, really, really outside of Inter, I think that almost every top job could at some point become available potentially. There could be change everywhere.
01:06:48
Speaker
really anywhere. And I do feel that it's a moment in time where we could see that next shift of Italian managers really take the top stage and really make their market at the highest level. It could be the beginning of the next phase of Italian football with some of these names coming through. So I don't have any inside word, any indication as to what the future holds.
01:07:12
Speaker
Monza Milan, there could be some links there, but that's a speculation. But look, at this point, I am really excited because I really believe that with the change in a younger coach coming through, there will be an overall change in mentality. If there is that change in mentality, and we do see Sadia starts to really blood and believe in young talent, then that will benefit Italian football and the Italian national team overall. And that's, again, me in what I do and what I'm passionate about, that's what I'm really keen to see.
Milan's Champions League Group Challenges
01:07:43
Speaker
I'm very hopeful that we see a lot of these young managers make it to the top level very soon.
01:07:56
Speaker
And it's very simple. Inter have to win to top, to secure the group win. Anything else, Sociedad win. And then of course, as we said on Wednesday, Apledico did against Lazio. Lazio have to win to win the group. And if they did, it would be, it would be the most Lazio thing ever if they did. And then only, only to lose on the weekend because they play Inter on the weekend as well. I mean, it's just, yeah, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's Lazio. You just, they just confuse you. But then on the Tuesday,
01:08:24
Speaker
We've got Napoli Braga and Napoli need only one point. They can even afford to lose by one goal, but not by chance. Surely they can't blow this on Adriana. No, surely not. No, come on. No, no, no. Napoli have to, this is, look, if it's a draw, whatever they have to get, they have to do enough here. I'm, I'm very, very confident in this one. Obviously what conference is there to be gained from the last three performances? Obviously the feet to Real Madrid inter and you were, but no, look, Napoli.
01:08:53
Speaker
With respect to Braga, this is a Braga team who, recent fixtures, they have been on a good run, but they have played some of the teams in the bottom half of the Portuguese league and obviously picked up a point against Union Berlin on the previous matchday. Napoli must get the result here. This will be a major, major failure if Napoli are to fault here. So I think we will see Napoli go through second. I mentioned the Inter earlier, I think Inter
01:09:19
Speaker
If Inzaghi wasn't confident that they would beat Real Sociedad, I think that he would have taken the Benfica match a little more seriously. I think he's got full confidence that his players will take care of Real Sociedad on the final matchday.
01:09:34
Speaker
I'm very confident that we'll see Unapoli obviously go through in seconds because Real Madrid have gone far from five. So it's already won the group and Inted will win the group. Lazio, have a guess what will happen because anything could happen. I think in the end, Atleti, Atleti will be a little too strong at home. And obviously the other one as well is Milan. That's going to be... I mean, this is the situation. Milan have to win and they have to hope that Dortmund beat PSG to go through.
01:10:03
Speaker
I think it's a snowball of chance and hell here, no? Well, look, I was very, again, from an Italian perspective, very, very disappointed when Kieran Mbappe scored that 98 minute equalizer against Newcastle because what happened on match day five, if Newcastle had won that match, then basically Milan could have won this game and hoped for a Dortmund win or draw.
Weekly Awards and Highlights
01:10:26
Speaker
Now they need Dortmund to win and obviously need to be Newcastle. Look,
01:10:30
Speaker
I've covered many of the matches in this group this season and PSG on the road, obviously they're two defeats from two matches. They lost two, one at Milan, they lost four, one at Newcastle and PSG have been nowhere near the best version of PSG that we've seen this season. And I think going to Dortmund where Dortmund need a point to win the group. I think Dortmund can definitely win this match. They, they had a very hard fought win at the weekend. They played in the, in the Bundesliga.
01:10:58
Speaker
against Leipzig. Oh, sorry. It was a half worth the feat rather two three at home to Leipzig. So it was a tough one there, but it was a Dortmund team that we know always at home are always very tough to beat, particularly in this competition. So I don't think that is, I think that is very possible. I think Dortmund could beat PSG. The Milan trip to Newcastle, really anything could happen, but Newcastle are without so many players. That's really, they, they got beaten heavily in the premier league at the weekend.
01:11:26
Speaker
It's a team that aren't in their best shape for obvious reason. Who knows? Stranger things have happened. We remember Atalanta's incredible qualification when they lost their first few games. Milan obviously haven't been at their best, but they have been solid without being brilliant in this competition. Who knows? I'm not writing Milan off just yet. I think there's a small hope that if Milan can get the job done, obviously if they do win, they'll play Europa League at the very least.
01:11:56
Speaker
Do Milan fans want to play Europa League? I'm not sure, but we'll see what happens. It will be an exciting finish in any case. For sure, for sure. All right, let's move on to Bajo and Premface and Serias of the week. Right, Bajo, I've got a couple. I've got Muriel, of course, the back heel. Zakanyi back heel for Lazio against Helas, but also Mateo Brunori for Palermo, Serie B against Parma, that 40-yarder. Did you see that?
01:12:26
Speaker
Amazing. What a finish. It's so, so good. Really beautiful. So we had some amazing goals this weekend in Italy. Do you have any ones of your own that you want to... Look, Muriel, we used every adjective in the book for Muriel. That was a moment. Look, I think the moment for me, it's a beautiful story that we touched on earlier, but it's not the most beautiful goal of the weekend, but Gatti's moment again to do what he's done. It's really nice to see a player who's worked very hard and
01:12:55
Speaker
you know, has come under a lot of scrutiny in his time and had some difficult moments this season. We're just really special to see him step up and have another special memory like that. So look, it was a really great weekend, a lot of action, a lot of entertainment, but yeah, I'll put gutty forward for that. And of course, prim face of the week, there's quite a few. For me, I can't even, how do you not know how to do maths? Like, I mean, we're talking,
01:13:25
Speaker
38 divided by 2 is not 16. How do you not know that? Like, if you're over 8, it's just, and I'm referring to CBS and Gulatza Tweet, who said, now we're at the halfway point in the Premier League, and it's 16 games in, and I'm thinking, come on, guys.
01:13:47
Speaker
Yeah, do better than that. Use a calculator at the very least. Oh my God. And it was on Nobel Prize day as well. It just made everything perfect. But did you have a premise? I know you have a premise of the week. Look, sometimes I don't know what week certain things happen.
01:14:15
Speaker
because they, they, they seem so, they seem so frequent at times. Don't they look, there was the one, there was the one I see. I don't even know what day it was, but it was the, it was the conversation in the ESPN FC panel, the discussed arsenal beating into, in a hypothetical match that hasn't happened and won't happen for now if they both were in their group. And it wasn't, it wasn't the fact that there were some who believed
01:14:41
Speaker
that Arsenal would beat Inter. That's completely fine. You can debate whatever you wish. But there was one of my favourite friends in the industry, Don Hutchinson, who was on the panel, and he commentates Italian football, obviously loved his English football as well, but very passionate in Italian football. He worked together for a couple of the broadcasts I worked for. And he was just very much defending Inter, saying they played a Champions League final a few months ago. I think Inter would be amongst the top favourites.
01:15:08
Speaker
And it wasn't the fact that, again, that they disagreed, but it was the fact that they actually laughed at him like it was so unbelievable that he was suggesting that Inter would be favored ahead of Arsenal.
Arsenal vs Inter Fans Rivalry
01:15:19
Speaker
That, I think that takes out my prim face of the, of the week, if not the month, if not the year, because it's like, how dare you suggest that your team that was in a Champions League final only months ago would beat our team, which makes no sense because Arsenal have been nowhere near a Champions League match, let alone a final in many years. And all of a sudden in a,
01:15:38
Speaker
In a group, again with respect, but in a group that is nothing different to a Europa League group, they're going to win the group and all of a sudden that means they're amongst the top favourites for the Champions League just because they play Premier League, it makes no sense whatsoever.
01:15:54
Speaker
Shaken that thought out of my mind. And I'd love the prospect of seeing Inter and Arsenal meet in a quarterfinal at some point and putting that debate to bed. But let's see what happens in the coming
North London Teams' Premature Celebrations
01:16:03
Speaker
months. The funny thing about that is that that went on Twitter and then all of a sudden this spark, this weird rivalry between Inter and Arsenal fans arguing. This is exactly like last year when Inter and Barcelona fans were going at each other, but at least they were in the same group. That's right. Weird.
01:16:22
Speaker
And it's been such a weird reaction by Arsenal fans going things like, oh, we beat you 5-1 10, 20 years ago. And it's like, yeah, your best ever Arsenal team beat one of the most mediocre intersides with Hector Coupe, I mean, when he was sacked. And it's just like, and it's like they haven't even won the Premier League yet. And it's gone so, I call it North London syndrome. This is something that, there's something in the water and air in North London that
01:16:54
Speaker
Evidently, with Tottenham and Arsenal, they're the best team in the world after they win a couple of games. I mean, you saw it with Tottenham in the beginning of the season, and I like Ange. I think he's a lovely man. Genuinely, he's a lovely man, and I wish him nothing but the best.
01:17:11
Speaker
The fact that they were hyping them up for him to win the Premier League after just winning four, five games in a row. And then now they've lost five, four, five games in a row. And then it's just this, this hubris, his own steroids, obviously Spurs is way worse than Arsenal. But now, because at least Arsenal have won something, you know, this side of the millennium.
Inter Milan vs European Clubs
01:17:30
Speaker
Sure, sure. But so, but it's just, it's so weird. I mean, you know, when Inter and Milan were, were off for a decade, pretty much in their banter era.
01:17:40
Speaker
As soon as, you know, you didn't see the fan bases think that they were, you know, champions league winners. And I don't know what this day and the other and start saying, Oh, you know, our, our third choice right back would start for your team nonsense like that. And it's just, it just feels so bizarre. The whole thing does that. I don't look, I may be wrong. I'm sure there are, I'm not even talking fan bases, just clubs and whatever in general, but I'm sure there are some that are perhaps the same level of, you know, live in the past, but
01:18:10
Speaker
I don't know too many clubs that come to mind that do that. Well, certainly not in SETI. I can't think of a, you're right, Inter and Milan in the lower points over the last decade or so, they weren't clinging onto the past to compare themselves to other European top clubs thinking, yeah, but we won the Champions League X amount of years ago and we've won this and we've done that.
01:18:31
Speaker
It's just bizarre, but again, my take from the particular reaction to the suggestion that Inter could challenge, it was as if that it was being suggested that Southern Italian could challenge or a lower level Italian club. It wasn't a wild statement. We're talking about the best team in Italy who very close to winning the title, who very close to winning the Champions League, just doing what they did last season, but being a little better.
01:18:59
Speaker
It was a, it was a bizarre reaction. And yeah, I look, it's not surprising though. It's just been the case and what we've become very used to as Italian football fans.
Serie A Awards Blunder
01:19:08
Speaker
And then finally, um, Syria ass of the week. This has got to be, I mean, this is the only second or third time we're doing it, but I think this is the greatest Syria ass of the week ever. How on earth do you do this?
01:19:23
Speaker
So in the week, in this last week, they had the Oscar del Calcho, right? And they have like an award show for the last season of Serie A players, and you know, best striker, best blah, blah, blah, you know, all the usual stuff, right? How do you manage to misspell the winner of a player who's won an award on the award? Well, you have to be Italian, don't you?
01:19:50
Speaker
And when I looked at it, and I was looking at it, it was Chicha Kvara Trelia, and it's, they've romanized his name for some inexplicable reason. There was K apostrophe, but then it was misspelled because it said Kvara, it said Vara Trela. I just couldn't stop laughing.
Serie A's International Marketing Issues
01:20:10
Speaker
Yeah, look, look, we know we know that we know said our strong point isn't any in any language, but their own. So it's it immediately becomes a tough, tough exercise when we when we start to go down that path. But it's sad. That's very bizarre, isn't it? It's very, very weird. I'm just I'm like, I just I looked at that and I was like, wow. Have you got one as well? Or look, a lot along that path, I think it's
01:20:39
Speaker
Again, working in the mode that I do, I cover Italian football for almost all the, the English speaking TV broadcasters around the world. And I, I'm very used to the lack of, of English coverage that, that we see across the globe. Look, it's probably not one that's just alone to this week, but I guess it's in the case of a recent experience I had. Well, I was there was an event in, in Rome that covered
01:21:06
Speaker
basically all sport across Italy and whatnot, and it was a conference with some of the top people in Serie A speaking at. And there was some talk about the new Radio Serie A, which is obviously a radio platform that has been launched, some really important figures involved in the game, doing some great stuff domestically. The question was put to them by a good friend of mine in the industry at this summit in Rome with regards to well
01:21:30
Speaker
You've done very well, you're getting some good guests servicing the Italian market. The question was put to them, well, are you going to do this surely for the rest of the world? Maybe speak English or other languages? Well, no word of a lie. The question that was asked was scoffed at and laughed at by the Italians thinking that it was completely unnecessary to service the other 7.9 billion people in the world.
01:21:56
Speaker
It just falls in line with everything that we have discussed before, discussed today, and we'll discuss again with regards to just that lack of, I guess, marketing awareness by the league to grow and expand.
Appreciation for Independent Football Coverage
01:22:09
Speaker
And that's when we see issues like awards with misspelt names and a lack of, and using Google Translate to post tweets online. And it's just, well, that's because they have no interest in doing anything outside of their four walls.
01:22:24
Speaker
It's very annoying, but it's quite funny that those in charge are like, well, no, there's probably no point in doing anything in English going forward. So it's all the more important why yourself and Carlo are doing great work here. This is having as big an impact as anything the league is doing. So always keep up the great work because I think it holds a very important place in the game.
01:22:44
Speaker
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. And that segues nicely into until we reach the end of the part of the episode. We'll be back on Tuesday for a Q&A episode. And of course, the Thursday we'll be reviewing the Champions League games. But Adrian, thank you so much for stepping in and covering for Carlo and guest hosting. It's been an absolute pleasure. I know you travel and got so much going
Adrian Del Monte's Future Plans
01:23:05
Speaker
on. So I was going to let the floor to give you the floor and say, what have you got coming up? Where are you going next? And where can people follow you on social media?
01:23:15
Speaker
absolute pleasure Nima anytime and as I said keep up the great work both you love what you do I've I've got a nice short stay in in Australia to spend some time with family over the over the break which is always very nice I do a little bit of tennis work as well so I'll be covering the Australian Open in my home city of Melbourne then get back into it for study on Champions League in the new year after that and obviously really busy first half of the year next year with the
01:23:42
Speaker
my usual commitments around the Champions League and set out and then the Euros which are going to be really really exciting and hopefully Italy can replicate what they did a few years ago so very busy always on the road and just yeah every couple of days brings a new challenge ahead so plenty of football plenty of feature stories to come and then obviously a lot of content in the lead up to the Euros then covering the Euros itself will be a very busy start to the first half of next year and yeah in terms of following me anywhere anywhere you can but
01:24:12
Speaker
most active for my football work across Twitter and Instagram at Adrian Del
Podcast Sign Off
01:24:17
Speaker
Monte there. So hit me up there and yeah, plenty more to come in the new year for sure. Well, thank you very much for joining us. And like I said, everyone else will be back on Tuesday for the Q and a pod. Um, and with a color we'll be back then. And we'll also do a Thursday's as always a midweek review show, but until next, uh, but until then take care of yourselves and each other. Ciao chat.