Luigi Garlando, writing for Gazzetta.it, reflects on Juventus` dismissal of Thiago Motta, stating: “Today is Dante Day, celebrating the memory of the Supreme Poet on the anniversary of the beginning of his literary journey into the afterlife. Thiago Motta, having entered a dark forest, remained there. Cristiano Giuntoli, a poor Virgil, abandoned him with harsh words. Alighieri might say: `Thiago, do you know your biggest mistake? The lack of empathy with the players. You only needed to read Canto 26 of my Divine Comedy.`”
“Ulysses had to convince his sailors to follow him beyond the Pillars of Hercules, where, according to the knowledge of the time, the world ended. It takes courage to venture into the unknown. But Ulysses, with `a small oration,` ignited hearts and spurred them to the task. `You were not made to live like brutes, but to pursue virtue and knowledge.` This is what you should have done at the first training session, Thiago. A `small` and passionate speech: `Guys, for three years they have been telling you that the Pillars of Hercules are in midfield. I will show you that there is life and glory in the other half too. Follow me! We will attack en masse, we will score, we will win. You were not made just to restart! Get out of defense, let`s keep the ball and move forward! Danilo, old sailor, I need your experience. You will have to guide the crew. Yildiz, Mbangula, blow into the sails with your hunger for the future! Dusan, load the cannon! If we row together, Juve will see the stars again. Let`s go, friends!` This is what you should have said, Thiago. Instead, arrogant like Farinata, you wanted to go it alone, keeping the crew at a distance, and in the storm, you found yourself alone on the lifeboat launched by Giuntoli.”