The former Rossoneri striker: “They wrote Max off, but he’s a coach who delivers results. Still, he has to aim high. Leao is my favorite”
He was the first to pack his Super Cup trophy. In the summer of 1993, to promote the upcoming World Cup in the U.S., the United States convinced the League, Milan (Serie A champions), and Torino (Coppa Italia winners) to play the final in Washington. It had never happened before that Serie A would award a title abroad. And it was none other than Marco Simone who presented the trophy to the Rossoneri. A poacher’s goal, following a clash between Mussi and Savicevic, with the Rossoneri striker quick to beat Giovanni Galli. “It wasn’t a memorable match; it was played on an afternoon in Washington and it was very hot,” recalls Simone. “On one side was Capello, on the other Mondonico: pragmatic coaches who didn’t prioritize spectacle.”
Today, playing the Super Cup abroad has almost become the norm, but back then it felt a bit strange, didn’t it?
“Indeed. Even though there was already a sense that Italian soccer needed to open up to the world. And I’m not just talking about the financial gains from the event, but also the resulting boost to its image. Of course, there are drawbacks: the main one is that Italian fans can’t enjoy the final live.“
What memories do you have of that match in Washington?
”I was struck by the enthusiasm of the people. Milan—Berlusconi’s Milan—was a world-renowned powerhouse, not just in Italy. And then we played in a legendary stadium, Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, then home of the Washington Redskins American football team. For me, having always loved traveling abroad, it was a great experience, beyond just winning and scoring the decisive goal. Perhaps for other players today, it’s less so…”.
Let’s turn to current events. Milan has landed in Riyadh, but Inter has packed away first place in the standings…
“It’s still early, and the league seems very balanced to me. The Nerazzurri are at the top now, but previously there were also Napoli, Roma, and Milan itself. Everything changes quickly—perhaps too quickly—and people often make hasty judgments. But that’s typical in the world of soccer with social media these days.“
Are you referring to anything in particular?
”The reasoning applies in general, and it’s also what makes the soccer environment so ‘heavy.’ Then, if we want to look at a specific situation, take Allegri: they said he was ‘done,’ finished, out of touch. And yet…”
Are you an “Allegrian” coach?
“Let’s leave the labels aside. Max can be criticized for how his teams play—of course he can. Everyone has plenty to say, but in reality, a coach’s plan lasts a week: the one between one match and the next. If there are no results, the pressure mounts and a coach’s time runs out. And Allegri gets results, even if there’s one thing I just can’t forgive him for.“
What is it?
”His constant repetition that the goal is to finish in the top four. Okay, Milan is coming off an eighth-place finish, but it’s still Milan: they must always go out to win, no ifs, ands, or buts. Then, if they don’t succeed, we can talk about the Champions League and the financial implications of qualifying for Europe’s top competition. The same goes for Inter and Juventus.“
In the Super Cup semifinals, there’s Conte’s Napoli, coming off two consecutive losses.
”Here, too, people forget everything too quickly. Antonio pulled off an extraordinary feat just a few months ago. And today he’s right there, among the top teams. It’s not a given that Napoli can repeat that success at such a high level.”
Do you think Milan has the edge?
“I don’t know; in a one-off match, it’s even harder to make predictions. And then there’s Leao, who’s questionable, isn’t there?”
Do you like Rafa?
“He’s my favorite on the current Milan squad. Mind you, there are other great players too, like Maignan or Pulisic, and Modric deserves a separate discussion that goes beyond the field. But Leao has that ability to ignite and make a difference that excites me. In my opinion, he’ll eventually reach his full potential and become even stronger.”
What did he say about Modric?
“You can tell he still plays with the same enthusiasm he had when he was a nobody. That’s no small feat—he’s won everything with Real Madrid, he’s a superstar—but you can see he has genuine passion. A bit like Gattuso was in my day: the fans sense it and love him.”
Who, on the other hand, is today’s Simone?
“I’m not saying he’s exactly like me, but for his ability to play both as a true striker and as a link-up player, I’d pick Lautaro. Compared to me, he’s even better suited to playing center forward. Yes, he’s a real ‘Toro’.”
And what about Marco?
“I founded Monaco United with two partners—a women’s club where I’m the president, coach, and even the equipment manager (laughs, ed.). We’re aiming to reach Serie A in four years.”
