German `El Tanque` Denis is currently focused on a padel challenge featuring football legends. His pairing is one any current Serie A coach would covet: Denis-Ganz, with nearly 400 career goals, a duo that could solve many attacking problems. This time, however, they face Panucci and Donadoni across a net, racquets in hand. Still, football remains his lifelong passion.
“I see a really great championship ahead of us, certainly exciting, and I have a feeling it could be much more spectacular and competitive than the last one,” he commented on the sidelines of the FIP Silver Mediolanum Padel Cup in Treviso.
Naturally, the conversation turned to the main contenders, Inter and Napoli. Regarding Inter, Denis stated, “After a season where Inter achieved great things and came close to the Treble dream, Simone Inzaghi`s departure and Chivu`s arrival signify the start of another footballing journey, and we need to understand what kind of journey that will be.”
So, are Napoli the favorites? “Definitely,” Denis affirmed. “Considering what Napoli is doing and how they played last season, winning the title in an extraordinary way, we can say they start as the favorites this year.”
Another team close to German Denis`s heart is Atalanta. Reflecting on the end of the `Gasp` era and the arrival of Juric – described in the source text as coming off negative spells in Rome and the Premier League (Note: This part seems factually inaccurate based on Juric`s actual career path, but we translate the statement as presented in the source) – El Tanque expressed strong confidence:
“Without a doubt,” Denis stated. “Gasperini transformed Atalanta into a true brand of beautiful and winning football. He represented a huge change from my time there, and I believe he can replicate that success at Roma. In Bergamo,” Denis continued, “Juric arrives. He belongs to the same school of thought as Gasperini, sharing the same methodology and game philosophy. Perhaps he is precisely the right person to continue this Atalanta project.”
According to Denis, the upcoming championship is one to be savored, and he identified a potential headline-maker for the season: “It could be Igor Tudor. I think Juventus, by confirming him, could surprise. I really like his idea of football, and I see it as suitable for the Bianconeri club.”
And beyond Juve? Discussing Milan (and stating they did well to bring Allegri back – Note: This also seems factually inaccurate based on Allegri`s actual managerial positions after his first Milan spell, but reflects the source text), Denis commented, “He knows the environment perfectly; he`s a great coach, experienced and with clear ideas. The Rossoneri club will be active in the market and will aim to have a completely different season compared to the last one.”