Dino Zoff, the greatest goalkeeper in Juventus’s history and World Cup winner with Italy in 1982, has given a wide-ranging interview to Tuttosport — touching on the World Cup, Carnevali’s appointment, the case for more Italian players in the squad, and the key transfer questions of the summer.
On the World Cup — and Japan’s Surprise
Asked whether he was following the tournament in the United States, Zoff was enthusiastic: “Naturally! Even though we are only at the beginning, I have already spotted a couple of less-fancied teams who could go a long way. Above all I would say Japan. They put in a remarkable performance against the Netherlands. I really enjoyed watching them.”
On the Absence of Italian Players at Juventus
One of the most substantive exchanges concerned the parallel decline of both Juventus and the Italian national team — and whether the lack of Italian players at the club is a contributory factor. “I would say yes, but it is only part of a wider problem,” Zoff said. “I would not overstate it. Juventus have historically meant a great deal to the national team. In recent years that aspect has been somewhat lost — but it is never too late to put it right.”
On whether rebuilding an Italian core at the club is essential or merely nostalgic sentiment, Zoff was emphatic: “There is a long list of nostalgic impulses in football, and I assure you this has nothing to do with any of them. Having young, interesting Italian players in the squad who offer genuine technical guarantees is crucial for top Italian clubs. Of course, you have to find them — and that is far from simple. I would add that when I talk about Italian players, I am really referring to Italian personalities — figures who bring their charisma to the group and help the younger ones grow.”
On Frattesi, Liberali and Leoni
When the names of Davide Frattesi, Mattia Liberali, and Giovanni Leoni were raised as potential targets, Zoff was measured: “They are all very good players with genuine prospects. But the key question is whether they can fit well into Spalletti’s football — whether they can coexist with the organic base Juventus already have.”
On Spalletti and Juventus Missing the Top Four
“Honestly, I did not expect Juventus to miss the top four. I knew Champions League qualification would not be straightforward. But under Spalletti, the bianconeri mounted a remarkable recovery when you consider where they were before he arrived. Luciano is a great manager and I think he did everything he could — especially with Vlahović absent for much of the season. My impression is that they did not fully appreciate their own strength.”
On Vlahović — “He Is a Juventus Player”
Asked whether the Serbian striker remains a Juventus-calibre player or has already played his last card at the club, Zoff refused to write him off: “If we look at the recent period — between the competition he faced last season and the injuries this season — it is difficult to reach a complete verdict because he has played too little. I like him: I think he is a good centre-forward. It will be for Juventus to decide, depending on their financial situation, whether to make the effort to keep him.”
On Berardi — “It Is Never Too Late”
The prospect of a move for Domenico Berardi — long linked with Juventus over several summers, now 31 — was put to Zoff directly. His verdict was clear: “Absolutely not — he has not missed the boat at all. In the context of an ambitious Juventus, he can still make a real contribution. He is an excellent player, and I have no doubt he would settle into the role without any difficulty.”
On Dibu Martínez — High Praise from the Master
The most striking passage of the interview came when Zoff — the embodiment of composed, minimal goalkeeping — was asked about a goalkeeper whose showboating, provocations, and penalty-shootout theatrics could not be more different from his own style. His verdict was unequivocal: “At Juventus what matters is the result, and players are free to do whatever they like on the pitch as long as they contribute to the cause. It does not matter whether a goalkeeper is eccentric or reserved — what matters is that he saves as God intended. And the Argentine has shown he can do exactly that, both in the Premier League and for his national side. He excites me.”
On Vicario — Respectful but Restrained
On Guglielmo Vicario, Zoff was warm but careful not to overstep: “I will say it again — I do not want to second-guess those responsible for the transfer market, because I have no qualification to do so. But Vicario certainly appeals to me. He is a complete goalkeeper, and I believe his experience in England has helped him grow enormously.”
