Di Natale: I was as happy as a child after meeting Messi in private, and then I understood why he is the best in history

October 9th: Former Italian international Di Natale accepted an exclusive interview with Turin Sports News and talked about the current situation of Juventus, Messi and many other topics.

Do you still watch Serie A games?

"Watch a lot. I have always loved football and watching games makes me passionate, even though it is no longer the football of my time. In Italy, the level of football has dropped a lot. I like Naples and Milan, but be careful with Inter Milan when competing for the league title. Roma coached by Gasperini also interests me very much."

What about Juventus?

"No, I don't think they are ready to compete for the league title. But they have the quality to enter the Champions League and perform well in European competitions. The two draws with Dortmund and Villarreal are not without merit. Of course, the criticism now is normal: if you are Juventus and draw five games in a row, there is definitely a problem. But I am sure Tudor will bounce back."

The team currently has big problems on the offensive end. Why?

"Maybe it's because the forward position has not been completely determined. Then, David and Openda come from other leagues and need time to adapt. Even in Udinese, I am used to having teammates from different countries, but players with quality will always stand out. Maybe not right away, but as time goes by."

Between Jonathan David, Vlahovic and Openda, who will you keep playing?

"Vlahovic, no doubt. He was extraordinary in Florence and has scored in double figures every year since coming to Juventus. He will never score 30 goals in a season, but he is an important player. A player who can change the situation in Serie A."

What about Yildiz? Do you think he is tired?

"Yes, it is definitely not easy to play a game every three days. But he is the best player in Serie A and has the brightest future. We are talking about a pure No. 10: it is difficult for him to score more than 15 goals in a season, but he can ignite a game in a moment. He is very strong, I like him very much, and let's not forget, he is only 20 years old. How many players in Europe can do that at his age?"

Does he remind you of Di Natale?

"No, precisely because he scored much fewer goals than me. But Montella talks about Yildiz in my ears every day. He always tells me how impressed Yildiz left him in training. I believe him because Montella knows how to recognize genius. But I always hope to fall in love with some Italian treasures."

Who stands out to you in Serie A today?

"Watching Modric in Milan play is a visual feast. He is 40 years old and plays a very special position. There is no player like him in the world. Sule is also growing rapidly, but among Italian players, I would like to specially mention Politano: he was always underestimated in Naples, and now Conte is turning him into one of the strongest wingers in Europe."

Why is there no place for you in the Italian Football Association?

"I have my own football school and I like working with kids. I don't like the publicity and I don't seek exposure."

Have you ever received a call from the national team?

"Never. But many clubs have approached me and wanted me to have a role in the technical team. But I will not leave Udinese, I am living well here and I want to give back to this land all the love I have received over the years."

You have a football school that follows players from an early age. Why don’t we produce talented players anymore?

"There are many reasons. First of all, the club has no courage and never gives Italian players a chance. Now there are a large number of foreign players, even some of low level. But why? I remember the Lecce youth team that won the league championship in 2023, the team was filled with foreign players."

Are parents an obstacle to the growth of children?

"To a certain extent, yes. Many parents think they have a Maradona in their house. This is a problem for coaches. But the situation is more complicated than that: training facilities are few and substandard. Many clubs have been forced to divide the field into four areas to allow everyone to train. There are no facilities. Fortunately, the locals in Udinese (for which I am grateful) have provided us with a suitable venue, which is rare in Italy. I understand the families and they want the best for their children, but in terms of facilities we are lagging behind nationally."

The national team will return to play in Udinese. Will you go and see it?

"I'm not sure yet, it's my birthday on the 13th and I don't know when to celebrate it with my family. The Italian Football Federation invited me and if I can go, I'd love it. The national team always has something special."

Is it the right decision for Italy to play against Israel?

"Yes, correct. Politics should stay away from sport. Of course, this does not change the fundamental thoughts of all of us, and what is happening makes us sad. The images we see every day are unhappy."

Back to Juventus. You came twice close to taking that big step from Udinese. Are you ever afraid you won't be able to handle the pressure of a big team?

"No, in life, you should only be afraid when the doctor diagnoses you with a serious illness. Football is too beautiful to have fear. Quite simply, I have always had a good life at Udinese. I spent the best 12 years of my career, why should I leave?"

Why do so few players make the same choice as you now?

"Because now it is the agents who have the final say. Some people will create conflicts between clubs and players. I belong to the generation of Maldini, Totti and Del Piero, and for me, gratitude is everything."

Can Italy successfully qualify for the World Cup?

"Hopefully, otherwise it will be a disaster. There are two important games now, but both are within our capabilities. It's certainly not the coach's fault, Spalletti is a master. If even he can't save the national team, that means the problem is much deeper. "

Which players still make you passionate about football?

" Yamal, an absolutely phenomenal player. Some of the things he does are even unimaginable, and I hope he doesn't get overly consumed. But another Messi won't be born anytime soon. "

Have you met Messi in person?

"Yes, it was Sanchez who introduced me to him in Barcelona. We met privately. I rarely get excited, but that time I was as happy as a child. Then I understood why Messi is the greatest player of all time, he is a very simple and simple man. It's impossible not to like him. "

Which coach would you like to play under?

"I've met a lot of great coaches and I learned something from each one. Maybe if I met a coach like Gasperini, I would have scored more than 30 goals, but I don’t really want to run, and he is very demanding (laughs). Now he has a huge opportunity in Roma to prove his worth and I'm sure he will succeed this time too. "

Who will win the Scudetto?

"It will be a showdown between Conte and Allegri, both of whom are phenomenal coaches. "

Having said that, Conte might have returned to Juventus in the summer.

"This is better, for me, a Naples person. Conte is a great coach and I hope he can be successful again this year too. "