Prandelli: Class is timeless, Modric and De Bruyne lead by example | OneFootball

Cesare Prandelli, former technical commissioner of the Italian National team and now technical director of the federation, has shared his impressions on the Serie A 2025/26 and on international football, emphasizing how talent, tactical intelligence, and leadership are timeless qualities.

Italy, Prandelli: "Class has no age. Modric and De Bruyne are an example for everyone"

Prandelli observes the championship with the eye of an expert and grandfather of five grandchildren: "As far as possible, after four rounds, yes, you can already see interesting signals. We are in a breaking-in phase: some teams have players who have returned from international commitments or new purchases to integrate".

According to the former coach, Conte's Napoli is the favorite, thanks to the solidity and winning mentality imposed by the coach: "Napoli and Inter are better off, but Conte has that plus in managing the players. Behind them, I see Milan, which can become a real threat".

Milan-Napoli: the challenge of the coaches

On the big match between the red and blacks and the Neapolitans, Prandelli explains: "It will be a match between two extraordinary coaches. Conte gets into the players' heads and improves them; Allegri, on the other hand, handles delicate situations with mastery and keeps Milan competitive. It will be a challenge of leadership, tactics, and vision".

Referring to the players, he adds: "Politano is an example: thanks to Conte he has gained continuity and value, becoming an indispensable element".

Ageless Talent: Modric and De Bruyne

Prandelli emphasizes the importance of experienced superstars: "Class has no age. Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne have exaggerated talent and intelligent management of energies. They know when to accelerate and when to pace themselves, and they have feet and vision that make you fall in love with football".

Observations on the rest of the championship

Prandelli mentions other interesting coaches and projects:

"Gasperini has a project that could surprise and achieve results already in the first year".

"Pioli's Fiorentina remains solid, even if it needs to consolidate its identity".

"Juventus, with figures like Chiellini in management, maintains prestige and continuity".

The former coach concludes with a thought on the new ownership: "Some companies understand the importance of having reference figures like Oriali at Napoli or Ranieri at Roma. They are fundamental reference points for the management of the locker room and the culture of the club".

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