Lazio legend Paolo Di Canio has raised concerns that Italian Serie A is increasingly turning into a “graveyard” for ageing footballers.
His remarks follow several high-profile summer transfers, including Luka Modric’s move from Real Madrid to AC Milan, Edin Dzeko joining Fiorentina, and Kevin De Bruyne signing for Napoli.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Di Canio questioned why Italian clubs are prioritising veteran players over younger talents, noting that many of these stars were not actively sought after by other top European teams.
“I don’t want to be a destroyer, but I have two thoughts. First: I will enjoy watching them play, but I’m sorry that no one looked for them in Europe — not even the third, fourth, or fifth-tier teams. We took them from the first,” he said.
Di Canio added that while players like Modric and De Bruyne still demonstrate exceptional creativity and passing, the slower pace and larger spaces in Serie A make it easier for them to shine despite their advancing years.
Referencing past stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry, he described Italian football as “the cemetery of noble elephants.” He explained: “From Ronaldo to Ribéry, Italy attracts players in the twilight of their careers. I mean this in a friendly, non-derogatory way. They come to beautiful places but to a league that, in their memories, is defined by the 2006 World Cup, with Cannavaro and the Ballon d’Or winner.”
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