After having watched the short film, the Republic of Ireland assistant coach answered questions put to him by Gazzetta Dello Sport correspondent, Stefano Boldrini, as well as those asked by members of the audience. A representative of www.forzaitalianfootball.com was on hand to bring you some of the thoughts and experiences of the former Juventus legend.
Q: What differences are there in coaching methods now as opposed to when you played?
Tardelli: The game today is more about the physical aspect than before. When I played we never had fitness coaches, but now that’s all changed.
Q: How has it been coaching the Irish national team alongside Giovanni Trapattoni?
Tardelli: It was difficult at first, the players did not trust us or our methods, but now they are training superbly and it is going very well.
Q: What differences are their between Irish and Italian professional footballers?
Tardelli: The Irish players like to go out more and socialise. The Italians aren’t so much into this. If an Italian footballer’s wife is about to give birth he will still stay with the squad and visit afterwards. An Irish player would want to leave and be there for the birth…
Q: What are your thoughts on video technology?
Tardelli: I cant see how it would work. Do you use the same system as tennis with challenges? I agree goal line technology should be used. But video replays are not always conclusive. In saying that, Zidane would not have been sent off in the 2006 World Cup final had it not been for the 4th official and the video replay…
Q: What are your thoughts on the state of football in Italy currently?
Tardelli: The problem is that it is no longer perceived as honest. No one in Italian football wants to tackle the issue seriously. Even the referees have lost credibility due to there involvement in scandals. The stadiums are dilapidated and in need of refurbishment and there is a lack of funding. The reason the money is coming into the English Premier league is that despite its problems, it is still seen by many as an honest competition.
Q: Why do you think Italy managed to beat that great Brazil side in 1982?
Tardelli: We didn’t have the best individuals perhaps, but we had the most united squad and amazing team spirit.
Q: What was it like to be part of that squad?
Tardelli: It was strange – the press didn’t want me in the squad to begin with. They said I’d had a tough and long season and I hadn’t been playing too well leading up to the tournament. But [Enzo] Bearzot had faith in me. I could never sleep before games, not due to nerves but because I just never felt tired. I would spend hours awake just talking with Bearzot.
Q: What were you thinking, the moment you scored your World Cup goal in the final against West Germany?
Tardelli: To be honest I cant remember it at all anymore! It’s only the video replays that keep it fresh in my mind these days….
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