Crazy press conferences… When Italian coaches go berserk

Date: 14th November 2014 at 10:00am
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antono conteItalians are undoubtedly an excitable race of people.

Being a professional football coach does not exempt you from this rule, especially those forged in a passionate league like Serie A and when the combustible mix of sport and emotion crash into each other, the consequences can be quite explosive.

Here at Forza Italian Football, for your entertainment — and, let’s be honest, because it’s International break — we bring you our favourite five crazy football press conferences and with a bonus sixth that will quite literally blow away your underwear!

‘Infamia!’ – Antonio Conte

We shall ease you in with what, compared to the conferences to come, is a quite tame affair.

In 2012, ex-Bianconeri man Conte was accused of match fixing whilst at his previous club Siena. Conte was deeply upset with the allegations and told the world exactly how idiotic the claims were during this press gathering.

Unfortunately, he did receive a 10 month ban (subsequently cut to four months) for failing to report alleged improprieties, though as the newly installed Italy tactician, the suspension has far from harmed his coaching career.

[youtube]http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Y0CG1Q9cU[/youtube]

 ‘I do what I want’ – Paolo Di Canio

paolo di canio swindonOver in the UK, former Lazio winger Paolo Di Canio had an impressive stint as boss of Swindon Town.  Having achieved a promotion and a Cup final appearance, the fiery coach did not reach these goals without the odd ‘mental’ moment.

Below we see Di Canio telling reporters exactly what he thinks after receiving a touchline ban for being adjudged to have acted inappropriately inside his technical area, during a League Two match.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW794paX214[/youtube]

‘Play with balls’ – Gennaro Gattuso 

gennaro gattusoFormer AC Milan hard man Gennaro Gattuso is the current coach of Greek side OFI Crete and despite having tended his resignation only a week ago, fans surrounded Gattuso before he left and forced him to change his mind.

The below press conference was obviously enough to convince supporters of the coach’s passion for their club and though his record as a tactician is far from outstanding, the ‘grinta’ he displayed whilst a player has obviously not left him.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7clSlIXxBZo[/youtube]

‘Cazzo’ – Alberto Malesani

alberto malesani

Alberto Malesani could contain his anger no longer during the 2005/06 season whilst coaching Greek side Panathinaikos.

Unhappy with what the journalists were writing about him, the ex-Sassuolo coach called a press conference to express his displeasure in his own special way.

Those that follow the tactician will know that this wasn’t the first time he had been somewhat emotional when talking to the media.

Having coached Siena, Bologna, Palermo, Genoa to name but four, a quick search on YouTube will have you watching a plethora of clips with Malesani arguing, complaining, swearing and shouting at anybody that will listen.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysnoRO7MYlQ[/youtube]

‘Strunz ‘ – Giovanni Trapattoni

giovanni trapattoni bayernLegendary Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni has never been one to mince his words.

Having been at the helm of the biggest club sides in the world, ‘Il Trap’ went literally berserk in 1998, whilst running German giants Bayern Munich.

In a bizarre military style of delivery, the tactician decided to respond in front of the watching masses to complaints from some of his players, who believed they were more important to the team than their coach.

Trapattoni, quite impressively in German, gave us his own inimitable view on events and walked out with his head held high, offering to repeat to the journalists everything he had just said had they missed it.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqp64q7kHmw[/youtube]

‘Ci giochiamo le mutande!’ – Franco Gagliardi

franco gagliardi regginaWe promised you a special sixth and here it is.  Little known Reggina coach Franco Gagliardi vents his anger against the journalists that failed to inspire their readers to come to the stadium, prior to a critical Serie B match last season.

The Calabrian tactician completely lost his cool during the press conference, describing the all important match against Varese as the ‘game of the century’ and that his side would be ‘playing for their underpants!’

Unfortunately Reggina went on to lose to Varese, and subsequently relegated to the Lega Pro. We doubt this did much to improve Gagliardi’s mood.

We have added subtitles for your pleasure. Enjoy…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuqkW2oWiWo[/youtube]

 

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