In the latest episode of “Club Dago,” the most-followed football column among Italians in New York and beyond, Guglielmo Timpano, director of Soccer Made in Italy, interviewed former Serie A and Italian National Team midfielder Gaetano D’Agostino. An in-depth analysis of the disappointments of Italian teams in European competitions and a preview of the upcoming Serie A round. With sharp critiques and tactical insights, D’Agostino spares no one, from big names like Theo Hernandez and Tiago Motta to Gasperini’s Atalanta.
Three Shocking Eliminations in the Champions League. A Hard Blow for Italian Football. What Went Wrong, Gaetano?
“It was a tough blow, especially for the ranking. These defeats show that in Europe, without offensive ideas and high rhythm, you struggle a lot. And I’m not talking about facing the big clubs, but matches against teams that have prepared and programmed better than us. We faced clubs that have evolved, while we lagged behind in this round.”
Was Theo Hernandez’s Red Card Truly the Decisive Moment for Milan?
“Before Theo Hernandez’s red card, Milan had equalized and had the psychological advantage. But I believe Theo has reached the emotional end of his cycle at Milan. He holds too much power within the team, but he’s not a leader in character nor a superstar. The club gave him too much security, leading to complacency and arrogance. It’s not just about the red card but also his poor defensive attitudes and behavior that put the team in trouble. If he doesn’t change his mentality, Milan will face more problems.”
Moving on to Juventus: The Vlahovic Dilemma and the Elimination Against PSV. Should Tiago Motta Be Criticized?
“In my opinion, Tiago Motta was already underperforming before the elimination. You have an asset like Vlahovic, bought for 60-70 million, and you leave him out of the project. I don’t see any clear playing identity: neither defensive nor offensive. I don’t see any tactical idea. On the contrary, I see a coach who imposes his vision at the expense of the players’ characteristics. That’s a fatal mistake. The opposite example? Ranieri, who places players in their natural roles to maximize their potential. If the tactical idea doesn’t enhance the players, failure is inevitable.”
Atalanta Knocked Out by Brugge. The Most Definitive Defeat. What Went Wrong?
“It was the clearest defeat, and in my opinion, it was meant to be. Gasperini’s arrogance cost him: he prepared the match without considering Brugge’s strengths, which expertly exploited the spaces with precise movements. Atalanta lacks in-game adaptability. Gasperini is great at preparing matches and has a clear philosophy, but he failed to read the match’s dynamics. Hats off to Brugge’s coach, who planned the game perfectly.”
The Only Joy for Italy: Ranieri’s Roma Dominates Porto. Yet, Ranieri Was Angry at the End. Why?
“He was right to be angry. In international competitions, you can’t afford blackouts, not even for a few minutes. Ranieri saw some unnecessary heroics: players looking for personal glory instead of playing as a team. Roma dominated, but those moments of distraction can be costly at higher levels. Ranieri sent a clear message: everyone must stick to their role without trying to be the hero.”
Looking Ahead to the Next Serie A Round: Will There Be Aftereffects from the European Exits?
“Yes, especially for Milan. They might win, but they can’t afford to play on pure nerves and emotion, as that could cost them mentally after the European exit. And watch out for Torino, which is dangerous at home and can trouble Milan. Juventus also faces a tough challenge against Cagliari, especially after the Champions League elimination that shook the players’ confidence in Tiago Motta. I expect a challenging game.”
Which Away Match Is the Riskiest: Torino-Milan, Empoli-Atalanta, or Cagliari-Juventus?
“Cagliari-Juventus is the most interesting. Cagliari is a tough place to play, and Juve is dealing with low confidence and credibility in Tiago Motta. If they don’t react mentally, they’re in for a tough time. Milan and Atalanta also have challenging matches, but Juventus is the most at risk of a slip-up.”
