Italian football legend Gianni Mulliniño, also known as "Il Vecchio" (The Old One), has spent a lifetime chasing the beautiful game. As a former player and coach in Serie A, he has witnessed the rise and fall of some of the greatest teams in Italian football history. In an exclusive interview with us, Mulliniño shares his thoughts on the golden era of Serie A, the league that made him famous.
"Ah, those were the days," Mulliniño says with a nostalgic smile. "Serie A in the 1970s and 1980s was the place to be for any football fan. The likes of juventus.html">Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma were battling it out for supremacy, producing some of the greatest players the world has ever seen."
Mulliniño''s eyes light up as he reminisces about the legendary managers who shaped the league during that era. "Men like Helenio Herrera at Inter, Nereo Roccos at Juventus, and Arrigo Sacchi at AC Milan were absolute masters of their craft," he says. "They knew how to get the best out of their players, creating teams that were greater than the sum of their parts."
The conversation turns to the great players who populated Serie A during its golden era. Mulliniño''s face creases into a warm smile as he talks about the likes of Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, and Marco van Basten. "These guys were the real deal," he says. "Talented, passionate, and dedicated – they gave their all to the beautiful game."
Mulliniño''s own playing career was marked by spells at clubs like Roma and Lazio, where he earned a reputation as a tenacious and skillful midfielder. After hanging up his boots, he went on to coach in Serie A, earning promotions with both Bologna and Parma.
As we wrap up our conversation, Mulliniño''s thoughts turn to the present day. "Serie A may not be what it used to be," he admits, "but there are still some great teams and players out there. The passion and pride of Italian football will never die."
Mulliniño''s words serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of Serie A, a league that has captivated audiences for generations. As we bid farewell to this Italian football legend, it''s clear that his love for the game remains as strong as ever.