Prandelli backs Conte: Who supports the manager? Juventus, Italy, break | OneFootball

Cesare Prandelli, former head coach of the National Team, offers a broad and clear analysis of the current situation involving Juventus, Italy, and Antonio Conte. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Tuscan coach delves into the new scenarios for the Bianconeri, Italy’s path to the World Cup, and the much-discussed “decompression break” taken by Napoli’s current manager.

Prandelli defends Conte: “The coach supports everyone, but who supports the coach?” The former head coach analyzes Juventus, the National Team, and the break taken by the Azzurri manager

Juventus, between algorithms and lost identities

Prandelli starts with Juventus, directly analyzing the club’s choices in recent years.

According to the former head coach, the problem has mainly been a matter of values: “Probably in recent years they’ve looked for players first and then for men. And when that’s the case, you need luck to win.”

This reflection introduces the new Bianconeri era led by CEO Comolli, known for his advanced use of algorithmic models in recruitment. Prandelli, however, clarifies his position: “Curiosity is necessary, as long as you put the person before any number or system. Spalletti, who is an experienced and successful coach, is already demonstrating this at Juventus.”

The “Spallettata” on Koopmeiners

The clearest example, Prandelli points out, concerns the tactical repositioning of Koopmeiners.

“Koop needs space ahead of him; he can’t play as a right winger. Luciano is a showman and has sensitivity; in fact, after one training session, he moved the Dutchman back, using him as an additional playmaker.”

A solution that widens the field, increases quality in build-up play, and suits the midfielder’s dynamism. Prandelli warns: “I imagine less of Koop in a four-man defense, but beware of setting limits.”

Who instead of Vlahovic?

With Vlahovic in doubt, the debate over a possible replacement becomes central. Prandelli analyzes all the options from Spalletti’s perspective:

Jonathan David: “He would have a great opportunity: not to be wasted”

Openda: a more vertical profile but still not very incisive

Yildiz as a false nine: an intriguing hypothesis, but not entirely suitable

On Yildiz, the former head coach is clear: “Yildiz is a great talent, but he doesn’t have Francesco’s goal sense. The Turk is a number ten, skilled in dribbling: I see him more like Kvara, starting from the left in a 4-3-3.”

The parallel with Sinner: a mistake in perspective

When asked about a possible “Sinner of football,” Prandelli responds with a broader reflection.

“Yildiz is Yildiz, a great talent. Rather than looking for Sinners in football, we should understand how Jannik became Sinner, the perfect mix of balance and determination.”

So not the comparison, but the journey: discipline, awareness, mentality.

National Team: concern, yes, but also trust

Regarding the risk of missing the World Cup after the defeat to Norway, Prandelli does not hide his doubts:

“We all need to be concerned. I agree with Gattuso: in the second half, nerves and fear prevailed.”

But unlike other observers, he maintains a certain optimism: “I remain optimistic for the World Cup.”

Conte and the necessary break: Prandelli’s view

One of the most discussed topics concerns Antonio Conte’s decision to take a short break, working remotely while the team was in Naples.

Prandelli defends him firmly: “The coach always helps everyone, but who helps the coach? I’m with Antonio, it’s right to take a break every now and then. Especially if you give everything like he does.”

A consideration that opens up a topic often ignored: the psychological burden and constant pressure weighing on a top-level coach.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.