"Keep an eye on Napoli, this is the team to beat. In the Derby d'Italia, I hope Tudor's team wins." The former Juventus player thus captures the moment and the season of the Old Lady.
Gianluca Zambrotta - 297 matches and two championships in Turin - likes Juventus after two wins out of two without conceding a goal: "It's a really good start, the best way to begin, and when you win, things go well, especially before a break when you have time to work. I saw it better against Parma, with Genoa there were a few more difficulties."
With Igor Tudor, 104 matches: what does he like about it as a coach?
"Yes, always. We've had good times and we even saw each other outside the field. He's a wonderful person, he's always done well. Trusting him was an excellent choice".
Lois Openda and Edon Zhegrova: successful hits?
"They are excellent acquisitions. For economic reasons, at Kolo Muani they preferred Openda. He is younger and has done well at Leipzig: he is fast, quick, and versatile because he can play as a second striker. Zhegrova, even though he has been out for about nine months, has qualities and has the opportunity to work to regain form and fit into Tudor's system. He leads the man, dribbles, creates superiority: but he must return to 100%."
Against Inter, Andrea Cambiaso will not be there.
"Inter has Dimarco and Dumfries in form, who push forward a lot, so at least one defensive player is needed, like Kalulu on Dimarco, who is sometimes Inter's most dangerous player. On the other hand, Joao Mario could be the right alternative against Dumfries; he had a good game in Genoa".
Other “hot spots” to keep an eye on?
"I really like Juventus' defensive phase, and Bremer's return is like a signing, crucial: in the first matches the team was solid, but now Inter will be a tougher test".
Which duel are you looking forward to with more enthusiasm?
"Lautaro and Marcus Thuram against the Juventus defense, a great battle. And then also in midfield, Barella and the others against Locatelli and Khéphren Thuram... But there will be countless duels. In short, it's the Derby d'Italia: a wonderful atmosphere, a highly anticipated game even if it's only the third matchday. After Udine's defeat, Inter will want to redeem themselves."
What seasonal objective should Juventus set?
"Trying to win: always. It's in their DNA. There may be a season that goes worse, but Juventus must aim to fight until the end for the Scudetto. The team to beat is Napoli: for last year, for Conte who stayed, and for the transfer market".
How does Juventus-Inter end?
"I hope Juventus win!"
Shall we conclude with an opinion on Gennaro Gattuso?
"I've known him since the Under 21s, we were roommates and then we met again in the national team and at Milan. You can only speak well of Rino, both as a man and as a coach: he's a friend, a great person with a big heart. It's been a good start, with two wins that are valuable points and above all give enthusiasm and confidence to the boys. Now consistency is needed: the road to the World Cup is long and full of pitfalls. But I believe in it and I wish him success."