Former Italian professional footballer Domenico Volpati recently offered a compelling and candid assessment of the beautiful game, delving into the ambitious potential of Como, the historic triumph of Hellas Verona, and his poignant concerns for the Italian national team. Volpati, a figure synonymous with a bygone era of Italian football, provides a perspective that is both nostalgic and acutely critical of the modern landscape.
Como`s Aspiring Future: The Next Atalanta?
In a declaration that has piqued the interest of many, Volpati suggested that Como Calcio, a club he once represented, possesses the latent capacity to emulate the remarkable trajectory of Atalanta in the coming years. This isn`t merely a romantic notion but a strategic observation. Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, transformed from a mid-table side into a consistent European contender, revered for its robust and attacking football. Volpati`s vision for Como appears to align with this model: a club that can establish itself firmly among the top four in Italy and regularly compete in European competitions, rather than an immediate Scudetto challenge – a notion he wisely cautions against.
“Como can become the Atalanta of the next few years. From there to winning the Scudetto, however… Let`s start by participating in European competitions and finishing among the top four.”
This pragmatic outlook highlights the monumental leap required to transition from a strong contender to a league champion, yet it underscores a belief in Como`s foundational elements and potential for sustained growth in Serie A.
Hellas Verona`s Epic Scudetto: A Masterclass, Not a Miracle
Shifting his gaze to the past, Volpati fondly recounted his time with Hellas Verona, a club with whom he achieved arguably the most astonishing Scudetto victory in Italian football history during the 1984-85 season. Often dubbed a `miracle` by outsiders, Volpati insists this narrative misunderstands the meticulous preparation behind their success.
For Volpati and his teammates, the triumph was a culmination of strategy and dedication, an “epic, extraordinary” achievement born from careful planning rather than sheer happenstance. This distinction is crucial; it elevates their success from a stroke of luck to a testament to strategic brilliance and collective effort. Even decades later, the reverberations of that Scudetto are felt in Verona, a testament to its indelible impact on the club and its loyal fanbase. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most `unlikely` victories are, in fact, the most deserved, crafted with foresight and determination.
The Modern Game: A Conundrum of Play and Procedure
Volpati`s reflections are not solely confined to specific clubs or historical feats; he offers a broader, somewhat melancholic critique of contemporary football. He notes a significant disconnect, asserting that few players from his era would genuinely appreciate the current iteration of the sport. His dissatisfaction stems from both the evolution of playstyle on the pitch and the intricate, often perplexing, dynamics away from it.
A particular point of contention for Volpati, echoing sentiments famously expressed by Michel Platini, is the introduction and pervasive influence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR). He posits that VAR has “weighed down” the sport, perhaps stripping away some of its spontaneity and continuous flow. While intended to enhance fairness, the constant interruptions and micro-analysis have, for some purists, inadvertently altered the very rhythm and emotional experience of watching a match. One might observe, with a touch of irony, that a system designed to reduce controversy sometimes amplifies the perceived friction, turning moments of raw jubilation into an anxious pause for technological validation.
Italy`s National Team: A Fan`s Frustration and the Talent Deficit
Perhaps Volpati`s most poignant observations concern the Italian national team. As a self-proclaimed fervent supporter, he confesses to “suffering” when watching the Azzurri. While acknowledging Roberto Mancini`s unexpected and triumphant leadership to the European Championship, Volpati views this victory as an “exception” rather than a trend. His concern is stark: a perceived scarcity of pure Italian talent. This diagnosis suggests a deeper systemic issue within Italian youth development, a sentiment shared by many who lament the decreasing number of homegrown stars making it to the highest levels.
The success at Euro 2020, while glorious, might, in Volpati`s view, have masked a more fundamental problem – a dwindling pool of genuinely world-class Italian players. This presents a sobering challenge for the future of Italian football, requiring a renewed focus on nurturing talent from its roots upwards to ensure sustained competitiveness on the international stage.
Conclusion: A Voice from the Heart of Italian Football
Domenico Volpati stands as a compelling voice, offering unvarnished truths and seasoned perspectives on the state of Italian football. From ambitious club projects to historical glories, and from the frustrations of modern officiating to the challenges facing the national team, his insights provide a rich tapestry of opinions. He reminds us that football, at its core, is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving, yet forever tethered to its past glories and the fervent hopes for its future. His analysis, devoid of sentimentality where it matters, serves as a valuable barometer for anyone seeking to understand the enduring spirit and evolving dilemmas of Italian calcio.
