Gianluca Zambrotta, World Champion of 2006, remains one of the main pillars of the Italian defensive. The success of the hungry 87-times the national player (two goals), even after 15 successful years since his professional debut with Como Calcio, two titles with the Italian champion Juventus Turin (2002, 2003) and one Spanish Supercup with FC Barcelona (2006) are not far . Quite the contrary: The left external defense of the UEFA EURO 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup ™ in both the All-Star team was selected, is expected with great impatience the coming World Cup.
The 32-year-old player of AC Milan maintained in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com about the situation in the World Cup qualifying, the tournament favorites, the African teams as well as other topics related to his main target: South Africa the 2010th
In the qualification for the FIFA 2010 World Cup Italy ™ is at home against the Republic of Ireland in April only a 1-1 draw achieved. How do you evaluate this?
That was a very difficult game. The fact that Ireland’s coach Giovanni Trapattoni knows us of course, has certainly ambivalent about this outcome.
In the future, possibly to Italy in the further strengthening storm count when Amauri would play …
I think he still has no final decision. But he would of course be welcome, even if his attitude during a meeting with his birth country, Brazil is the best [laughs]! But seriously – I hope he will play for us, because he is very strong.
It is said that in Italy there are not so many good defenders as in the past?
I think nothing of such blanket assertions. Players like Davide Santon by Inter Milan and Marco Motta of AS Roma are the future of Italian football. And Andrea Dossena, for example, last season when Liverpool shone, especially in the UEFA Champions League.
We return to the pleasant memories returned: What remains to you from Germany 2006?
The victory, of course! When I think is simply a great joy. Undoubtedly, this was the greatest satisfaction in my career as a footballer.
After a little convincing presentation at the FIFA Confederations Cup a year before the next World Cup criticize the media is an obsolete Italian Squadra Azzurra. What is your opinion?
Ah, but 2010 I will be only 33, you will find some old? Fun aside – coach Marcello Lippi has already begun, the selection team to rejuvenate. And many young players knocking at the door and are ready anytime to be integrated. We’ll see.
The coming World Cup will be the first on African soil – like are your expectations?
It is a wonderful thing that the elite of football in Africa meets. I remember well the experience in Korea / Japan 2002. Sportlich was for us of course a disappointment, but the organization and atmosphere were excellent. I hope and I believe that we in South Africa just be satisfied.
And do you believe that an African team can get the trophy?
Yes. The African football has now reached the highest level, and this World Cup could be the strong teams of the continent such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Cameroon, the sticking point. Honestly, I think that at least one of these countries come into the semifinal.
And what other teams are your favorites?
When these large tournaments is always associated with the traditionally big football nations to: Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England and Italy of course! But we will pay particular attention to the current European champions Spain, must respect. They are very, very strong.
How you made it now at AC Milan?
On a personal level I am very satisfied that I have again found my best form. Other hand, the past season was not ideal, because we constantly had a large number of injured to complain. We have but the only sensible goal: the third place and thus qualifying for the upcoming Champions League. That was very important. It would be for us, the fans and the club management have been a disaster if we do not reach this place had.
You may already have a long career to look back – to the conclusion we would like to know what their former teammate you most impressed by?
I must say that I had the good fortune, not with a few true champions to play – Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho or Kaká, for example. But I’ve never seen a player, with the ball can employ the same things as Lionel Messi. He is simply incredible.