In a candid interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Serie A midfielder Davide Fontolan opened up about his tumultuous journey in football, sharing insights from his playing days and his current role as the technical director of Lainatese. At 59, Fontolan reflects on his past, including the controversies and challenges he faced while navigating the world of professional soccer.
Fontolan's career has seen him play for notable clubs, but it was his departure from Bologna that marked a significant turning point. "After a falling out with Marocchi, who criticized me on TV, I decided to leave. I confronted him in front of the whole team, and while he was right to speak out, it was a bitter end to my time there," Fontolan recalled. This incident highlights the often cutthroat nature of football, where personal relationships can sour quickly.
Despite the setbacks, Fontolan found a new passion in coaching. He has dedicated himself to nurturing young talent at Lainatese, where he oversees 200 children and manages 400 parents. "I started coaching kids during a summer camp, and now, 15 years later, I'm fighting for promotion in Prima Categoria with a team whose average age is 2003, playing against opponents born in 1992," he explained. Fontolan's commitment to youth development is commendable, especially considering his health challenges. In 2021, he faced two heart attacks and now lives with three stents. Yet, he remains undaunted, stating, "I have no fear of dying because I already felt like I was dying. There’s no pain in that case, right?"
Fontolan's career was not without its controversies. He humorously recounted a moment when he was fined twenty million lire for dressing as a mime with a police hat on the show "Mai dire gol" following a Parma-Inter match where Inter lost 4-1. "It was better when I spent my money on my foolish bets," he laughed, reflecting on the absurdities of fame.
His time at Inter was equally eventful. Fontolan recalled a conversation with coach Roy Hodgson, who told him, "You are my ideal striker." This was surprising to Fontolan, who had not played as a striker in two years. He humorously noted, "I was playing as a right and left winger, even as a full-back. One day, I was even put in as a stopper when Bergomi was sent off, marking Vialli, who never got past me. The next day, Hodgson said, 'I checked, and in two or three years, you’ll take Roberto Carlos's spot.'"
Fontolan's career highlights include winning a UEFA Cup, but not without its emotional toll. He vividly described the aftermath of the final victory, where the celebration became overwhelming. "I fainted during the celebrations; it hit me too hard. I relaxed when Jonk scored, but then my head started pounding. I signed out of the hospital to be available for national team selections the next day, even though I was told not to eat or drink. Of course, I obeyed and ended up having cold cuts and lambrusco at my agent's house," he shared.
Reflecting on the current state of football, Fontolan expressed his views on the Scudetto race. "It’s right that Napoli should win the Scudetto because Inter made mistakes. If you err, you pay the price. Napoli is the strongest team, but if you play over 50 matches in a season, you’ll burn out," he stated, showing his keen insight into the game's dynamics.
Fontolan's reputation as a character in the football world is well-known, especially after earning the nickname 'Fontolino Fontolan' from Marco Santin of Gialappa's. This lighthearted moniker came after an incident where he humorously dressed up for a show following a significant loss. "The Monday after the Parma-Inter game, they dressed me as a mime for the derby, and I was fined for it. Those were wild times!"
As he continues to shape the next generation of players, Fontolan remains a figure of resilience and passion. His journey from a player who faced numerous challenges to a beloved coach highlights the transformative power of football. He now dedicates his life to mentoring young players, instilling in them the values he learned throughout his career.
In conclusion, Davide Fontolan's story is one of perseverance and dedication. From his early days in Serie A to his current role at Lainatese, he exemplifies the spirit of football, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there is always a path forward. As he continues to inspire young athletes, Fontolan proves that the love for the game transcends the challenges faced along the way.
