Even on a padel court, he keeps his eye and attention on the ball. Nicola Legrottaglie – a guest at the Country Time Club in Mondello, where he played a special match with Dida, Amelia, and Zaccardo – provided an update on Juventus and other top Italian football clubs.
“I see a Juve still searching for an identity,” explained Legrottaglie on the sidelines of the FIP Silver Mediolanum Padel Cup. “It`s a process that requires time, but giving continuity to Tudor was the most logical choice: if they confirmed him, it means they appreciated his work and positive impact on the environment.” The former defender then reflected on the reaction after the loss to Manchester City in the Club World Cup: “I heard too much pessimism, an almost resigned attitude, as if to say `they are too strong for us, they are on another level.` Well, I think you can also lose a match, but you must always be convinced that you are strong.” In this sense, the round of 16 match against Real Madrid will be an important test: “It can become an opportunity to regain conviction. It will be a completely different match, with even greater motivation.”
Speaking of key men for the Bianconeri, Legrottaglie identified the cornerstones to build from: “Yildiz, Bremer, Thuram: there`s a structure upon which to build a very competitive team.” And asked who the main rival in Serie A will be, he answered without hesitation: “Napoli, which in my opinion will also dominate the next championship.” Legrottaglie then commented on the Milan clubs: “Inter remains an important opponent, but this year they don`t start ahead of everyone like twelve months ago. If some negative results came immediately, it could be difficult to recover psychologically. Milan, on the other hand, is a question mark: let`s see what they want to build and how.”
A necessary point was made about the National team, facing a new chapter: “Sooner or later, changes were needed,” said Legrottaglie. “Gattuso was the most loved figure, the one who can immediately give an image of determination and a desire for redemption. He`s perfect in this. But transitioning from image to building a project requires a path. Now let`s all cheer together, it`s Italy, and we must support it.”