Marcello Lippi, the mastermind behind Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph and Juventus’ golden era of the 1990s and early 2000s, recently shared his thoughts on the Old Lady’s enduring legacy and his experiences as a manager in an interview with Repubblica.
Reflecting on his first Scudetto with Juventus nearly 30 years ago, Lippi said, “We were modernity. I believe that team perfectly represented my idea of football: aggressive in every area of the pitch, organized but without the tactical obsession that has infected everyone today. I had players willing to sacrifice. The most difficult thing is understanding what people have inside, and then training their minds. How they play, you understand that in a flash.”
When asked about Juventus’ special quality, Lippi emphasized the club’s history and the competence of those involved. He noted, “You truly notice the difference only when you’re inside. Of course, Juventus isn’t just the most loved team, it’s also the most hated, disliked because it has won so much. And so I say, it’s actually great to be disliked.”
Lippi didn’t shy away from discussing this season’s Scudetto race, stating, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Juventus came back into play as well.”
On the topic of the greatest players he’s coached, Lippi found it difficult to choose: “How can I? If I say Del Piero, I can’t help but think of Zidane, if I say Zidane, I can’t help but think of Del Piero… And then Vialli, whom I miss so much: generous, ironic, incredibly intelligent, a champion and a joker. But also Conte, who was my point of reference. And Pirlo, Nedved, Totti, Gattuso, Gigi… And Roberto Baggio, certainly: one of the greatest in history.”
Addressing rumors of a strained relationship with Baggio, Lippi dismissed them as “nonsense,” saying, “They’ve embroidered so much on this thing: it’s nonsense.”
When asked about the greatest players he never coached, Lippi named “Maradona, Messi, and Van Basten,” but added, “Although the immense one, seen only on television, was Pelé.”
Reflecting on Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, Lippi expressed hope that new generations would revisit those matches on YouTube. He stated, “Having made so many people happy is the greatest satisfaction of my career. Coaching the Azzurri is a bit like being the President of the Republic: you belong to everyone. And I know they will never forget us.”
Finally, Lippi shared that he doesn’t miss coaching, having retired five years ago. Recalling the night of Italy’s 1982 World Cup victory, he said, “I was watching and learning. That team, so aggressive and perfect, was one of my absolute models.”
