Former Italian striker Gianfranco Zola insists he was \u2018lucky\u2019 to play with Roberto Baggio, Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini and praises Paulo Dybala for staying at Roma: \u2018He listened to his heart, not his wallet.\u2019<\/p>\n
Zola released an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport discussing Italy\u2019s national team, Victor Osimhen and Paulo Dybala.<\/p>\n
The Azzurri promptly reacted to a disappointing EURO 2024 elimination last summer, securing back-to-back victories against France and Israel during the September break.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe national team was excellent in terms of personality, the ability of new players to settle in and how they reacted to Barcola\u2019s goal. However, it\u2019s just the beginning of a long journey,\u201d said Zola.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe problem is that the rebirth of the national team is not only down to Spalletti, the federal directors, or the players. It\u2019s about the entire Italian football movement. We must be able to raise young talents and provide more continuity to the movement. Otherwise, nothing will follow the win against France.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zola scored ten goals in 35 appearances with Italy\u2019s national team, but some believe he was unlucky to play for the Azzurri at the wrong time, given that many other stars were part of the team in those years.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not true. I was lucky to play with Baggio, Vialli, Mancini and others,\u201d the ex-Chelsea forward insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cI learned something from all of them, and their example pushed me to raise the bar.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zola is convinced that his former club, Napoli, coached by Antonio Conte, will be Inter\u2018s main rivals in the Scudetto race this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know Antonio well; believe me, nothing should be taken for granted when Conte is involved. Napoli will be in the race until the end,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is more competition than last season. Give Gasperini time, and Atalanta will emerge. Milan has had highs and lows, but they have a great team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lastly, Zola spoke about the transfer sagas involving Dybala and Osimhen this summer. The Argentinean decided to stay at Roma despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, while Osi pushed to leave Napoli and eventually joined Galatasaray on loan after talks with Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG collapsed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne is a nice story, but the other is not so good,\u201d argued Zola.<\/p>\n
\u201cDybala listened to his heart, not his wallet. I don\u2019t want to judge anyone; everyone can make their best decisions. Indeed, Paulo\u2019s history fills the hearts of those who love football.\u201d<\/p>\n