Italiano: Turkish football reminds me of 1980s Italy
- Source
- Hürriyet SporTier 1
- Published
Key points
- Beşiktaş manager praises Super Lig's atmosphere and intensity, comparing it to Italian football decades ago
- Italiano says Beşiktaş's strong start—third after six matches, one point behind leaders—exceeded his expectations
- Coach credits squad overhaul and late arrivals for success in Europe; emphasizes aggression as foundation of his tactical approach
Summary
Vincenzo Italiano has given an interview to Corriere dello Sport reflecting on his early months at Beşiktaş. The Italian manager, who has guided the club to third place in the Super Lig after six matches and into the Europa League group stage, expressed surprise at the quality and passion of Turkish football. He compared the atmosphere in stadiums to Italian football of the 1980s and 1990s, noting that even newly promoted sides draw enormous crowds and create intense environments.
Italiano acknowledged that Beşiktaş's start has been better than anticipated, given the squad's youth during pre-season and late arrivals of World Cup players. He stressed that aggression remains central to his tactical philosophy, though he has adapted his methods over his career at Trapani, Fiorentina, and Bologna.
Original headline
Vincenzo Italiano'dan Beşiktaş ve Türkiye itirafları: 'Çocukluğumdaki duyguları yeniden yaşıyormuşum gibi hissediyorum!'
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