Football has seen numerous stars come and go, but few have made an impact quite like Sergio Brio, the former Juventus defender who is now studying to become a mental coach. Known for his defensive prowess during his playing days in the 1980s and 90s, Brio recently reflected on his storied career and the apparent changes in the beautiful game.
In a candid interview with Corriere della Sera, Brio expressed that he had the fortune to cross paths with the legendary coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who recognized his potential as a penalty taker. He reminisced, "I had the fortune to cross my destiny with Giovanni Trapattoni, who said I was the best penalty taker, even better than Michel Platini." This confidence from Trapattoni was crucial for Brio, who credits the coach with instilling remarkable self-belief. "The Trap transmitted immense trust in you; just having him on the bench made you give twice as much," he said.
However, despite the glory days, Brio expressed his disappointment with modern football, stating, "Frankly, I fall asleep in front of the screen; these games are quite boring." His criticisms extend to tactics and the physicality of the sport today, which he believes lacks the competitive spirit that defined his era. His thoughts were vividly illustrated when he reflected on a moment during a match against Napoli: "I was only sent off once for an alleged elbow on Salvatore Bagni, but I didn’t touch him. Boniperti said I fell for the trap set by the opposing midfielder," he recalled.
This unique touch of nostalgia leads Brio to a memorable anecdote from his time on the pitch during a match against Roma. The excitement turned chaotic when a police dog, draped in a yellow-red scarf, decided to take a bite out of him as he attempted to leave the field. "I was the only player in history to be bitten by a police dog in Rome," Brio said with a mixture of horror and humor. After scoring, Brio was held up by the media interviewing him outside the changing rooms when the dog attacked. He joked, "I had to hit that animal too; it was a strange day."
Through the years, Brio faced many fighters on the field, most notably with Roberto Pruzzo, a fierce forward who led to legendary clashes between them. "He was a player who scolded his teammates for not passing him the ball, and he gave me a hard time too. We had epic, hard clashes, but we're friends now," Brio said, highlighting the intense camaraderie that can form even amid fierce competition.
Another memorable interaction was with Alessandro Altobelli. Brio humorously recalled a tense moment during a family holiday when he received a phone warning that club president Giampiero Boniperti wanted to speak with him. "During a summer at Forte dei Marmi, I was told Boniperti wanted to talk. I feared I was being sold! But he told me, 'I bought Altobelli so he won't score against you anymore.'" It is these moments that demonstrate the deeper connections and rivalries that made football in his day endlessly engaging.
As a professional, Brio found the net 24 times and has numerous trophies to his name, a testament to his playing skill. Yet he remains grounded, now on a new path as he pursues his studies in mental coaching. He stated, "After my career as a professional footballer and commentator, I’ve realized I have what it takes to combine leadership concepts and the camaraderie necessary for success in business. I don’t think about retirement; I’m one who never gives up."
However, he candidly addressed the toll his career took on his body, revealing that he underwent surgery to implant two knee cartilage prostheses during a single operation. Brio's humor about aging and the physical demands of football does not overshadow his determination to contribute positively to the sport he loves.
In summary, Sergio Brio's reflections offer not just nostalgia for an era gone by but also valuable lessons for contemporary football and its players. From his experiences on the field to his ongoing journey in mental coaching, Brio encapsulates the indomitable spirit of a true sportsman while navigating the evolving landscape of football.
