Angelo Peruzzi, the former goalkeeper renowned for his decade-long stellar career, opened up about his perspectives on the modern state of football and gave insights on the coaching style of Antonio Conte during a recent interview with Corriere della Sera.
Peruzzi, who has graced the pitches of clubs like Juventus, spoke candidly about the drastic evolution he perceives in the game. "Il calcio è diventato un cinema, non fa per me. Perché? Tutto è cambiato. I giocatori? Un'azienda. Firmano un triennale e dopo pochi mesi chiedono l'aumento col procuratore o vogliono essere ceduti," he lamented, reflecting on how players today treat professional football as more of a business venture than the sport he knew.
Today’s players, according to Peruzzi, appear more concerned about contracts and salary hikes than the essence of the game. He contrasts this with his day, where loyalty and passion for the game took precedence. "I portieri? Più bravi coi piedi che con le mani. Io oggi mica potrei giocare. Non dico sia sbagliato, ma non fa per me. Meglio i boschi, la natura," he quipped, humorously asserting he’d struggle to fit in with today’s footballing demands.
His comments come alongside his reflections on the current Serie A season, particularly on the title race. "Chi vince lo scudetto? Non so. Posso dire che Antonio (Conte, ndr) ha una fede dentro che fa la differenza. Vive per quello. Tutti i giorni, sempre," Peruzzi said, acknowledging Conte's unwavering commitment and passion, which he believes are key attributes for any successful manager.
Peruzzi’s career began spectacularly but was marred by personal challenges, including his controversial doping scandal shortly after his debut. "Ero ingenuo, un 'bambacione'. Finii dentro quella brutta storia... ma divenni uomo," he reflected, speaking of the hardships he faced. His initiation at the highest level of football was nothing short of dramatic, debuting at just 17 after being thrust onto the field unexpectedly when the starting goalkeeper fell ill. It was during this chaotic entry to the pitch where many fellow players took notice of his potential.
With time, Peruzzi not only established himself as one of the top goalkeepers of his generation but also got the opportunity to be part of the Italian national team during their triumph at the 2006 World Cup. Serving as Gianluigi Buffon’s backup, he acknowledges the team camaraderie and determination following the shadows of Calciopoli were instrumental to their success at the World Cup.
Despite his successful career, Peruzzi chooses to remain distanced from the sport he once loved. "Non fa per me," he stated firmly, highlighting how the passion seems to have been replaced with a more corporate ethos. He misses the days when football felt more organic and less like the scripted drama it has become. There’s something about the nature, he mused, claiming he finds more fulfillment surrounded by trees than the structured demands of contemporary football.
Reflecting on the dynamics between players today and those of the past, Peruzzi pointed out, "Ma siamo matti?" questioning the logic behind the new playing styles implemented today. This playful skepticism indicates his struggle to understand why the game has veered so far from its original objective—a sentiment shared by many long-time fans and former players alike.
Despite stepping away from the field, Peruzzi's passion for football remains. He continues to watch the sport evolve, but with each passing season, he finds himself lamenting the lost authenticity. It's clear his love for the game is undiminished, yet the way it is approached today leaves him feeling disconnected.
Peruzzi’s insights resonate with many who grew up watching football as more than just entertainment but as part of their very culture. Antonio Conte's tenacity encapsulates the spirit Peruzzi cherishes, perhaps providing hope amid the shifting tides of the sport.
