Latest news with #DiCanio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric transfers show Serie A is 'an elephant graveyard' as Paolo Di Canio casts doubt on Man City and Real Madrid legends
Di Canio provides verdict on Modric and De Bruyne arrivals Former forward not sure if they can sustain their level Admitted that the duo will definitely bring a lot of quality Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? Di Canio, a veteran of Serie A who played for teams like Lazio, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan, is not too sold on the arrivals of legendary midfield duo De Bruyne and Modric. While the former striker admitted that they will bring a lot of quality to Italy, he remains sceptical about whether they can sustain their performance at the highest levels. THE BIGGER PICTURE Modric left Real Madrid as their most decorated player of all-time, winning 28 titles in 13 years. He also broke the Ballon d'Or duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by lifting the award in 2018. On the other hand, De Bruyne etched his name in Manchester City folklore after a glorious decade at the Etihad Stadium. He became one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, helping the club win the Champions League in 2023 as well as six league titles. Modric and De Bruyne, though, are well past their primes. The Croatian will turn 40 next month, while the Belgian turned 34 in June. While players such as Axel Witsel have claimed that the duo will battle it out for the title of the best midfielder in Serie A, Di Canio thinks otherwise. WHAT PAOLO DI CANIO SAID Speaking on Corriere della Sera, Di Canio said: "The outlook is twofold: Italy continues to be an elephant's graveyard; before it was [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Franck] Ribery, now it's De Bruyne and Modric." He later on clarified that he has no doubts about the qualities of De Bruyne and Modric, but is doubtful about them making an impact on a consistent basis. He said: "They are [top players], of course. Meanwhile, I wonder how many games they can play at a high level, but above all, how much of their quality and technique will be absorbed by their teammates. It's difficult to imitate someone so unique. I mean, they can't do it alone if there's no team capable of circulating well around them. We'll certainly enjoy their quality, but those around them need to quickly learn to understand who they're playing with. Modric is a leader who knows how to communicate with the team: Milan will benefit from that, in a season where they only have the league." WHAT NEXT FOR MODRIC AND DE BRUYNE? Modric will be expected to make his competitive debut for the Rossoneri on Sunday, August 17, when Allegri's side take on Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia. De Bruyne, meanwhile, will play his first official game for Napoli on August 23, in the opening game of Serie A against Sassuolo.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🎥 Paolo Di Canio talks about his favourite memory of West Ham fans 😍
Paolo Di Canio made a name for himself in the 1990s and early 2000s as one of the most flamboyant and controversial footballers around, but it was at West Ham where he found a home. The Italian Maverick joined the Irons in January 1999, with Harry Redknapp taking a punt on a player who had become persona non grata after pushing referee Paul Alcock while with Sheffield Wednesday. Advertisement The gamble paid off, with Di Canio becoming the darling of the East End, scoring 51 goals in 141 appearances, and perhaps none more important than his FA Cup winner against Manchester United in 2001. His goal at Old Trafford also led to his favourite moment and memory with his adoring fans. Di Canio left West Ham in 2003 after relegation, but judging by this upcoming series, the bond between club, player and fans is as strong as ever. 📸 Phil Cole
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Sessegnon was an 'enigma'
Throughout Wednesday, we are revealing who Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini believes are the club's most skilful players next in third place is Stephane Sessegnon. Sessegnon made almost 100 appearances for the Black Cats during his two-and-a-half-year stint at the club after signing from Paris St-Germain in 2011. During that time, he played under three different managers and scored 18 goals. His spell at Sunderland came to an end following a dispute with then-manager Paulo Di Canio. Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle that Sessegnon was inconsistent but had the ability to get the supporters on the edge of their seats. "He was an enigma - some days he could be quiet," Gabbiadini recalled. "I was a little bit down on him as consistency-wise and team-player-wise, I think he lacked a little bit. But he had the ability to have those moments where you went: 'Wow, how does he do that?'"He did have a good record at Sunderland and at other clubs as well. He had some great moments when he was at the club. "Listen on BBC Sounds - and return later for the top two!
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Di Canio explains Napoli's weakness vs Genoa and warns of ‘Inter ghost'
Paolo Di Canio has a clear view on what held Napoli back against Genoa in a crucial Scudetto clash that saw the Partenopei drop two vital points, allowing Inter to close the gap at the top of Serie A to just one. The league leaders twice let a one-goal lead slip on Sunday, with the Grifone managing to equalise both times — in ways uncharacteristic of Napoli's usually solid defence. epa12092720 Napoli's head coach Antonio Conte during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs CF Genoa at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, 11 May 2025. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE Di Canio: Napoli can't score 4 or five goals, centre-back injuries key 'From midfield forward, Napoli did what they've been doing all season,' Di Canio told Sky Calcio Club analysing the match. Advertisement 'It's not a team that can score four or five goals. They got their two. 'But they conceded their first two headed goals of the season. Especially the one at the end, which came from that area where the centre-backs were missing, where Olivera was positioned. 'So something needs to be adjusted — they have to be more aggressive out wide. Of course, it's not easy at the end of a match, especially when the cross comes from the edge of the final third — it was a well-whipped ball.' Forced to improvise at the back due to injuries to Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus—both out for the rest of the season—Napoli had to rely on left-back Matias Olivera as a makeshift centre-back. NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Billy Gilmour during the Serie A match between Napoli and Genoa at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by) Di Canio also pointed to the psychological factor, suggesting that with Inter now breathing down their necks just one point behind, the pressure could impact the calm and composure with which Antonio Conte's side approaches their final two matches. 'Now, after seeing that Inter side, it's as if Napoli are seeing a ghost,' the former Lazio star continued. 'And when you go into a one-off final with that kind of fear, you get stage fright.'
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Di Canio questions Inzaghi as Inter players ‘turn their backs'
Paolo Di Canio questions Simone Inzaghi's ability to motivate the team, but feels Francesco Acerbi is the only Inter player who 'still believes' as the others 'just turn their backs.' The Nerazzurri suffered their third consecutive defeat across all competitions on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Roma at San Siro. Advertisement It's undoubtedly not the best way to approach the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona in Catalunya. 'If this is the real version of Inter, with two games coming up against Barcelona, they'll struggle to get a result against anyone,' Di Canio told Sky Sport via TMW. 'I may agree about physical issues, but after 15 rounds, Inter already had seven fewer points than in the previous season. Motivations make a difference. There are coaches who know how to instil it, and coaches like Inzaghi who are very good in other aspects, like the style of play. Simone has delighted us with his football, but then there is a management issue.' Di Canio questions Inzaghi as Inter players 'turn their backs' Napoli host Torino at the Stadio Maradona tonight and have a massive chance to take a three-point lead over the Nerazzurri at the top of the Serie A table with just four games remaining. Advertisement 'You can't only blame it on fatigue when you concede twice against Parma. Inter have been pegged back too many times, and it's not just about being tired,' continued Di Canio. 'Against Bayern, everyone was ready to take shots to their faces to avoid conceding. This doesn't mean Inzaghi isn't a good coach; he's excellent at certain things. However, Conte and Inzaghi are different, as each has something the other lacks. It's true that some players have not been helpful, for example, Zielinski came on and played terribly.' The former striker feels that just one Inter player showed the proper attitude against Roma today. 'We are talking about the team that suffered comebacks 11 times in the last 20 minutes of games. It's about bringing home results with determination and grit, the only one I saw celebrating when Inter were 1-0 down was Acerbi,' he noted. Advertisement 'He made me feel sorry for him. He's the only one who still believes, while the others just turn their backs.' Inter have already played 52 games across all competitions this season, but their treble dreams ended earlier this week, when they suffered a 3-0 loss in a Coppa Italia second leg semifinal against city rivals Milan.
