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| | Zola's tips for 2008-09 |
Sunday 13 July, 2008 |
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Gianfranco Zola gives his predictions for the new season, including Jose Mourinho, Ronaldinho, Juventus and his beloved Napoli.
“I think the signing of the summer has been a Coach,” the former Chelsea legend told the Gazetta dello Sport.
“Mourinho was a great buy, as he is an artist of football. I know him well and the secret is to get past the first impression. All that Special One stuff is bluster, it's all a game.
“Mourinho loves to amaze people, but in his work he is like a bulldozer. He'll do very well at Inter.”
Over on the other side of San Siro, Milan are said to be 48 hours away from completing their swoop for Ronaldinho.
“It is a courageous decision and one that I share. He has won the biggest prizes in football, but his career is not over. He's still young and physically fit. He just needs new challenges.
“Ronaldinho, Kaka and Alexandre Pato speak the same football language. Milan can construct an absolutely spectacular side and after his inconsistent campaign, Kaka will return to the levels of a Balon d'Or winner.”
If the Rossoneri are pushing to bolster their front line, Scudetto contenders Juventus aim to strengthen their midfield with Christian Poulsen and possibly Dejan Stankovic and Xabi Alonso joining Momo Sissoko.
“Poulsen is a warrior. Aside from him, the Juve squad has quality in abundance, so he should provide some balance,” continued the Italy Under-21 assistant manager.
“They have Alessandro Del Piero and the 'new' Del Piero - Sebastian Giovinco. I really like Juve and I'm curious to see how Fiorentina develop.
“Roma are a very entertaining side with Francesco Totti the starring man. Luciano Spalletti has created a sort of football miracle and he deserves the credit.”
Naturally, Zola has a special eye for the club where he first hit the big time and Napoli hope to improve on their Intertoto Cup qualification.
“Marek Hamsik is a genius. President Aurelio De Laurentiis picked the right midfield dynamo for a Napoli team that will soon be back in the thick of the Scudetto race.
“Hamsik is worth the ticket price alone and so is Ezequiel Lavezzi, who has already won over the fans.”
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