In a lengthy interview with Il Giornale, Alessandro Costacurta discussed more than just Milan, touching on current affairs and, notably, the Italian national team. The former Rossoneri defender spoke about what playing for the Nazionale meant to him: “The best moments of my football career.” He observed that times have changed.
“I don`t understand Acerbi`s decision,” Costacurta stated. “How is it possible? We used to tremble before call-ups. When I wasn`t called up after the `98 World Cup, I was genuinely upset. I understood Dino Zoff`s choice, but I felt very bad about it.”
He continued, commenting on the current situation: “But now it`s not like that anymore. Acerbi showed no respect for his teammates. They needed him. The team needed him! You know that, right? And what do you do? You say no because of a matter of pride? What are you doing?”
Asked about Rino Gattuso`s appointment as the new national team coach, Costacurta responded: “An understandable choice. If there`s one person who can instill a sense of belonging in the players, it`s Rino.”
On whether the national team shirt was more respected and feared abroad previously, he commented: “I played for the national team with Maldini, Nesta, Vieri, Baresi, Del Piero, Baggio, Walter Zenga in goal. We had the strongest players in the world. Today, who in the national team could ever be considered among the best in the world? Perhaps only Barella.”
