Mancini currently weighs his options after leaving Saudi Aarabia -Baanbaan earlier this season.
Giannichedda worked with Mancini during his career and in a chat with Tribalfootball.com, says the former Udinese and Lazio midfielder that he expects him to return to management soon.
For his part, Giannichedda is now U18 and U19 coaching director of the Amateur teams of Italy and in this conversation he touches his play career, the coaching icons with whom he worked and thoughts about current football.
The best and most challenging experiences
Giannichedda played for Udinese, Lazio and Juventus and shared his thoughts about the best and most difficult moments of his career:
“I was very happy during my career. At Udinese we have transformed from a middle table club into a team that was eligible for European competitions for three consecutive years. That period marked the start of the structured, progressive project of Udinese. Then I moved to Lazio, where I won the Coppa Italia and played in the Champions League. Finally, a member of Juventus was a dream – one of the strongest teams in Europe, who compete for the biggest trophies. Choosing the best experience is difficult because I enjoyed every club for which I played. However, the most challenging period was at Juventus because of the high expectations and enormous pressure. But it was a 'nice busy' – the kind that you encourage to be better every day. “
Working with Elite coaches
During his time at Udinese, Giannichedda had the opportunity to work among three highly respected coaches: Alberto Zaccheroni, Francesco Guidolin and Luciano Spalletti. He thought about their different coaching styles:
“Zaccheroni and Spalletti are true footballer players. They ensure that you as a player step on the field and know every detail of your role. Guidolin, on the other hand, has an incredible ability to get into the heads of players and to demand a maximum concentration in training and on the field. Each of them had a different approach, but all three were in themselves exceptional, what their quality proved wherever they coached. “
Winning the Intertoto Cup with Udinese
One of the highlights of his time at Udinese was to win the 2000 Intertoto Cup:
“That was an incredible experience. Udinese was a club that grew step by step, set clear objectives and worked towards them. We even succeeded in finishing third in the Serie A one season. Winning the Intertoto Cup was a wonderful achievement, although tiring, as it was played in the summer. However, picking up a trophy is always a special moment – it represents the highlight of the hard work of a team. “
Play next to Olivier Bierhoff
Giannichedda had the privilege of playing in Udinese next to the legendary striker Olivier Bierhoff:
“Olivier was an extraordinary professional. His work ethics was flawless – 10/10. Every time he stepped out of the field, he gave more than 100%. He was a real leader and we were lucky to have him because we learned so much from his mentality and dedication. “
Loyalty to Lazio in difficult times
One of the most determining moments of his career was his decision to stay in Lazio when the club was confronted with financial unrest:
“Winning is always special, but winning in Lazio, in a city like Rome, with passionate fans, was unforgettable. We had a fantastic team, almost like a family. Staying in Lazio during difficult times was a matter of gratitude – for the club, the fans and the opportunities I had received. It was the right thing to do, to be with the team when they needed me the most. '
Working with Roberto Mancini
During his time in Lazio, Giannichedda played under a young Roberto Mancini, who later became one of Italy's most successful coaches:
“Mancini has a deep understanding of what players need and he quickly makes contact with them at a mental level. Even in his early coaching years you could see his quality – his clear philosophy, his ability to manage players and his tactical intelligence. I have no doubt that he will soon return to a top team in Italy because he is an elite coach who deserves it. “
Simone Inzaghi's success at Inter
Giannichedda played with Simone Inzaghi in Lazio and praised the work of his former teammate as manager of Inter Milan:
“Simone does an excellent job at Inter, one of the most exciting teams in Europe. He has improved the team year after year and changes them into serious Champions League opportunities. His tactical approach and skills for management are impressive. “
Diego Simeone's coaching career
Another former Lazio teammate, Diego Simeone, has made a name for himself as one of the world's top managers. Giannichedda shared his thoughts about whether Simeone could ever coach in Italy:
“Diego was relentless on the field, both in competitions and in training. He never gave up and as a coach he generates the same mentality in his teams. He is a fantastic coach and I believe he could succeed everywhere, including Italy. '
Play in a stars-littered Juventus team
Giannichedda was part of a Juventus team with legends such as Buffon, Cannavaro, Nedved, Del Piero and Ibrahimović:
“That Juventus team was one of the strongest ever. If it had not been for the off-field problems, I am sure that we would continue to dominate in Italy and even have won a Champions League. The training sessions were incredibly intense due to the high level of competition. It was an honor to be part of that team. '
Learning from Fabio Capello
While he was in Juventus, Giannichedda worked under the legendary manager Fabio Capello:
“Capello had won everything, but his hunger for success never faded. He was a tough coach who demanded full commitment in every training session. If you have not given 100%, he let you hear it – sometimes until the next day! But that's what made him great; He knew how to push players to the extreme and get the best out of it. “
Coaching career and future plans
After he withdrew as a player, Giannichedda turned into coaching and worked with the Italian U20 and U17 teams, as well as clubs such as Racing Roma and Pro Piacenza:
“Coaching is another challenge, but football has been my life since I was eight years old. I worked within the Italian federation and with young players, and I like to help them chase their dreams. It is incredibly worthwhile. “
Series A and Italian National Team Outlook
Giannichedda shared his thoughts about the performances of his former clubs in the progress of Serie A and the Italian national team:
“This season Udinese, Lazio and Juventus have been inconsistent. Udinese started well, but experienced difficulties. Lazio lost Momentum after the Derby Defeat, but should still be eligible for Europe. Juventus has been disappointing – I expected that they would be in a better position. In the meantime, Inter and Napoli are the strongest teams and they will fight for the title.
As for the national team, Spalletti is doing an excellent job. He identified the issues of the euros and made necessary changes. There is a good group of players and I am optimistic about the future. “
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