Former player Daniel Fonseca shared his thoughts with Gazzetta regarding the highly anticipated Roma versus Juventus match. He fondly recalled his time with Claudio Ranieri, stating, “Ranieri was like a second father to me, and the prospect of facing Juventus in a packed Stadio Olimpico is electrifying, pure adrenaline.” Fonseca boldly predicted a Roma victory, expressing his belief that “Roma will win because Claudio deserves to conclude this incredible comeback on a high note. While many doubted such a resurgence, I always believed it was possible.”
Adding to his predictions, Fonseca highlighted a specific player, saying, “I`m betting on Leandro Paredes scoring against his former team.” Shifting his focus to Juventus, he revealed his admiration for a rising star: “At Juventus, I have a soft spot for Kenan Yildiz. Despite being Turkish, he possesses a South American flair. His goal in Tudor`s debut match was simply stunning. Yildiz`s style reminds me of Enzo Francescoli, who I consider another brother. Enzo was an exceptional talent, and it`s no surprise he was Zinedine Zidane`s idol. I vividly remember Zidane`s excitement when I arranged for him to dine with Francescoli in Turin.”
Fonseca also touched upon his relationship with Igor Tudor, noting, “I had a good rapport with Tudor during my time in Turin, often spending time with him and Kovacevic. However, I must admit I didn`t foresee his rise to becoming a top-level coach. He was a formidable defender, tough as nails, even in training. He left a few marks on my legs, though not as many as Ferrara.” He also reminisced about friendly rivalries, “My brother Ciro and I would often tease each other when facing off in training or official matches, always engaging in playful banter.”
Concluding his analysis, Fonseca praised Tudor`s coaching abilities and acknowledged Antonio Conte`s stature in the football world. “Igor`s teams are known for their attractive and aggressive style of play, and he has rightfully earned his coaching opportunities. Tudor has proven his merit, and of course, Antonio Conte is a world-class coach; that`s no secret.” Fonseca also emphasized the unique pressure of playing for Juventus, “Playing for Juve is a different ball game; it`s reserved for exceptional players. The moment you arrive in Turin, you feel the immense weight of the jersey. You`re acutely aware of the minimal margin for error. Some players grasp this instantly, others take time, and some never truly understand it. Regarding Teun Koopmeiners, I remain confident that he needs time and patience. His performances with Atalanta and the Dutch national team have demonstrated his significant potential as a player.”