Roma legend and former club captain Daniele De Rossi discussed in depth the current state of Italian football in a recent appearance at the Social Football Summit. De Rossi sat alongside Italy boss Roberto Mancini with whom he’s been working as member of the manager’s technical staff.
The 39-year-old stated the importance of big data in modern football. “You cannot get by without it. Data collection and match analysis are essential tools,” said De Rossi who aspires to become a first team coach in the near future.
“The eye is important but it is no longer enough. The old school generation thinks so, but the data helps a lot.”
“However, many years ago we were about to buy sign a player with Roma, but I wanted someone else: I wanted Nainggolan.”
“The other player had more data in his favor, but he had nothing to do with Radja. That’s when the limitations emerge. Data is important, but not enough.”
On the state of Italian football, De Rossi commented, “As a footballer, you learn to live less with the ball at your feet. Now, training sessions don’t emphasize keeping the ball at your feet. There is less raw material but something is brewing.”
“I see many guys who cling to the teams they belong to but they should find their way somewhere else.”
“Giacomo Raspadori makes you happy when you see him play. He is a guy who could have played in the 1970-80s. To see guys like him succeed with the national team is great. Mancini has already given the opportunity to ten young lads who can succeed in the right context.”
