Calzona: ‘Fantastic De Bruyne and Modric, Juventus must be tested’ | OneFootball

Former Napoli coach Francesco Calzona praises ‘fantastic’ Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric, but feels Juventus ‘need to be tested’ in the race for the Scudetto.

Calzona, the current Slovakia national team coach, spoke to Gazzetta about the new Serie A campaign that has just started.

Legendary midfielders Modric and De Bruyne are surely among the biggest signings of the summer in Italy.

Calzona praises De Bruyne and Modric

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JUNE 26: Coach of Slovakia Francesco Calzona makes a point from the sidelines during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Romania at Frankfurt Arena on June 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“They are fantastic players. I was lucky enough to play against De Bruyne. I’m in love with him in footballing terms; I also voted for him at the Ballon d’Or,” Calzona said.

“Modric’s career speaks for itself. He’s a phenomenon.”

Calzona believes that Napoli and Inter will be among the leading Scudetto contenders this term, but the battle behind the leading pair will be fierce.

Calzona: Juventus must be tested

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 01: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus FC, speaks to Manuel Locatelli #5 and Michele Di Gregorio #29 of Juventus FC during a hydration break during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium on July 01, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“Napoli and Inter are ahead. Juventus still need to be tested, although they are coming off a Champions League qualification,” he said.

“Roma have a football teacher in Gian Piero Gasperini, and I like Fiorentina; they are an intriguing team. And then Milan, assembled by Igli Tare and guided by  Massimiliano Allegri.”