The ex-Sheffield Wednesday, and Bradford icon, 51, on being one of the first Italians to play in the Premier League and why he’s keen to become manager of an English club
As one of the first Italians to play in the Premier League did you feel like a trailblazer when you joined Wednesday in 1996?
When I talk about Sheffield, I’m talking about something personal, like my family. Details and memories, like the (staged photos of) pizza with Paulo Di Canio and spaghetti with David Pleat, are important for my career and time with Sheffield Wednesday.
What do you think of their current boss, Darren Moore?
I follow them closely and Darren Moore has done a really good job to take them to the top of League One. Wednesday are a very good team now and showing it in every single game so I think the coach has done really well.
How should they approach their FA Cup replay at Fleetwood?
They have to try and win all their games, including the FA Cup ties – I think that’s the mentality of the coach. I feel something magical between the dressing room and the manager.
Were you in the frame for the manager’s job at League Two Bradford last February and what qualities could you bring?
Yes, it’ true! We had talks but they chose Mark Hughes. He used to coach Manchester City, so they picked a coach with a heavy CV. I hope Bradford win the league. I’ve rejected many offers from clubs in Italy – but my agent knows my priority is to wait for an offer to be a manager in England. I would bring new methodologies and my mentality. I’m very hungry to achieve something as a football coach, I want to win trophies and build something important.
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