'Maldini should win Golden Ball'

While most footballers of a certain age expect to do no more than sign a contract with oil-rich clubs in the Arab Gulf, or, perhaps end a glamorous career with the team of their native town, Daniele Massaro had other ideas in 1994.

Then, at the age of 33, he was in peak condition and not only helped Milan to complete a historic scudetto and European Cup double, but was also a key player in Arrigo Sacchi's Italy side that finished runners-up in the World Cup in USA.

The all-conquering 1993/94 Milan side of Fabio Capello was a fine team indeed, full of flair and panache, made to attack and score goals. It was a team of talents and mavericks such as Massaro, scorer of two goals in the 1994 European Cup final against Barcelona.

Zvonimir Boban was also in the side along with prodigies such as Dejan Savicevic, Paolo Maldini and old warrior Mauro Tassotti - now Carlo Ancelotti's right-hand man.

Massaro ranks Capello's Milan, four-time league winners between 1992 and 1996, equal to Sacchi's star-studded team that enjoyed more success outside the country.

"Capello's approach was more pragmatic... tightening up in defence and relying on fast counter-breaks. Still with either style, that of Capello or Sacchi's stifling pressing play, Milan were a powerful force both in Italy and abroad," he said.

At the helm of the Barcelona side, which Milan trounced 4-0 in the Champions Cup final, was Johan Cruyff - Massaro's boyhood idol.

"Cruyff was smart but less inspiring than Pele or Maradona, I suppose. Nonetheless, his cool style of play was a clear expression of the Dutch 'Total Football' philosophy," Massaro reckoned.

With a comprehensive 3-1 victory over city neighbours Inter earlier this month, Milan sounded their warning that the squad is well-equipped to fight for the championship.

Inevitably, the argument shifted on Milan's chances of claiming their first league title since 1999.

"Milan were good enough to win the scudetto last season, but found themselves burdened by prolonged involvement in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, which they both eventually won," Massaro, who like Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio had missed from the spot in Italy's '94 World Cup final upset to Brazil after a penalty shoot-out, said.

"This time Milan are figuring in six competitions but the chief target is to emulate Alberto Zaccheroni's title-winning side of 1999," said the soft-spoken Massaro.

Massaro firmly believes that his former team-mate Maldini, now in the twilight of his career, deserves to win this year's Golden Ball. However, he appeared somewhat downbeat about the Milan captain's chances of emulating Gianni Rivera, Paolo Rossi and Roberto Baggio and win the award.

"Strikers and play-makers are usually the ones spotted first by the pundits," he said. "Paolo deserves it in recognition of a brilliant career and also to make up for the 'unrewarded' Franco Baresi, arguably one of the best central defenders the game has ever produced."

Azzurri's prospects

Although the national team stuttered against sterner opponents, such as Wales and Serbia, on their way to securing qualification to EURO 2004, many are still of the opinion that the Azzurri will be among the challengers when the competition gets underway in June next year.

"Italy had hit rock bottom in the 2002 World Cup when many expected them to triumph," Massaro, now 42, said.

"After a difficult start to the EURO 2004 qualifying campaign, the players found their feet and hit top form at the right time.

"I'm sure Italy will be among the favourites but it is still too premature to properly assess our chances because the competition will only get to a start in June... until then lots of things could happen."

Speaking of the national team, I could not but point out Christian Vieri's negative reaction after he was substituted in the last group qualifier against Azerbaijan.

His gesture was in stark contrast with Massaro's style. In his hey days, he used to accept substitutions without complaining.

"Unfortunately, many players are not happy to leave the pitch when they are substituted," Massaro said.

"However, they have to bear in mind that it's the team that matters most not individuals. Coaches are hired to safeguard the interest of the team primarily.

"Also, when a player behaves badly, he is showing lack of respect to his coach and team. With today's congestion of fixtures, players should focus more on quality rather than the quantity of games played. They have to put the interest of their team first."