Franco Camozzi, a FIFA agent, spoke on `1 Football Club`, a radio program hosted by Luca Cerchione on 1 Station Radio. Below is an excerpt from the interview.
We are focused on the Coppa Italia final: do you consider it a 50-50 match, or do you see a favorite?
`Usually, teams with significant international history are the ones that ultimately win. Therefore, I believe Milan is slightly favored, because in all competitions, history comes into play at some point. And Milan`s history, with all due respect to Bologna, carries more weight. I expect a balanced match, but in the end, I think Milan will take it home.`
Would a potential Coppa Italia victory for Milan save a season that, at least in the league, has been rather disappointing?
`You know, determining whether a season is sufficient or not is always complicated. It`s easy to judge from the outside, but you need to know the internal dynamics. Certainly, Milan`s league campaign has been complicated, with many lows and few highs. However, if those few highs bring a second trophy, in the end, no one will focus solely on the negative aspects. They`ve already won one trophy, the Supercoppa Italiana, and they could win a second tonight. Clearly, they would have gladly given up both cups for Champions League qualification, but even so, it would still be a season with results.`
You primarily work in the English market, I`d like to ask if you have any news regarding the rumor linking Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City to Napoli next season.
`It`s not a groundless rumor. There are indeed contacts, and the player has shown appreciation for Napoli: for the project and also for the city, which he appreciates thanks to his friendship with Dries Mertens. It`s clear that we are talking about a 34-year-old player, a free agent, with enormous influence. However, in my opinion, believing this possibility is not at all wrong.`
According to some media, the potential arrival of De Bruyne would rule out Georgiy Sudakov from Shakhtar Donetsk. Do you believe they can coexist or does one exclude the other?
`I believe this idea is a bit forced. De Bruyne, even if he`s had a complicated season, can still provide at least a couple of years at the highest level. Just look at Mkhitaryan, who is still decisive at 36. De Bruyne has superior class and incredible footballing intelligence. In my opinion, they absolutely do not exclude each other. Sudakov can play in multiple roles, and at this point, it will also be crucial to understand who the Napoli coach will be. Because there are doubts about Conte`s future.`
As an experienced market insider, is it more likely today that Conte remains at Napoli or leaves?
`I`d say 60% leaving, 40% staying. The main deciding factor is the call of Juventus. He is a serious professional, he has shown that wherever he has gone. But it is also true that returning to Juventus, which is his home, carries a very strong weight. It`s something a fan should be able to understand: it`s not about betrayal, but a natural return for someone who made the history of that club. It has very little to do with De Laurentiis and the project he will offer Conte; many say his stay will depend on that, but it`s an alibi. De Laurentiis, I know, is not very loved in Napoli, but one must remember where he took Napoli from and where he has brought them. It was a bankrupt club and today it is stably among the Italian big teams, with trophies, European qualifications, and important coaches. So, before criticizing him, one should recognize his merits. I too often hear people say that if a coach leaves it`s his fault, if he stays it`s despite him… it seems excessive to me. He is a president with a clear vision and has brought Napoli back to the top. I have many Neapolitan friends who criticize him, and I always reply: `But remember where you were before.` A fan should also evaluate this, not just the present. It`s not fair to always involve him, even when he`s not the issue, as in the case of Conte`s future.`