Decoding Football: Gaetano D'Agostino's Blunt Views on VAR, Arteta, and Italian Football

In an exclusive interview with Calciomercato.com, former Italian international and renowned commentator Gaetano D'Agostino offered his unfiltered perspective on pressing topics in football, from the upcoming League Cup final to systemic issues affecting the sport.

The Arsenal vs Manchester City Preview

D'Agostino anticipates a tactical showdown at Wembley: "I expect a fascinating match, initially very tactical. These are two teams that know each other, respect each other and fear each other. But as often happens in English football, all it takes is one incident, one spark, to ignite the match, fire up the crowd and change everything. I hope it will be an open game with plenty of chances; Arsenal certainly come into this in better form."

Arteta's Pragmatic Revolution

Praising Arsenal's manager, D'Agostino said: "We must give credit to Arsenal for their planning and for the patience they have shown. They have backed Arteta over the years, even when results weren’t coming, they made the right investments and now find themselves in this position, fighting for all their objectives. Credit goes to the club and to the manager, whom I consider a reincarnation of Guardiola. He has become a pragmatic manager, less flashy. He has realised that to win, you have to make sacrifices. Now he is Arteta; you can’t compare him to anyone else – he has forged his own identity. He has realised that it’s right to play attractive football, but every now and then it’s right to get your hands dirty."

Is Guardiola's Time Up at City?

"I believe Guardiola's era at Manchester City is over. We saw this in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid, a Real Madrid side that is certainly not the strongest team of all time. His style of play is no longer as effective or spectacular, even though the squad has been revamped."

The Italian Football Conundrum

D'Agostino did not hold back on Italian football: "I don’t think there’s a winner between those who prioritise style and those who prioritise results. The winner is always right. All I can say is that Italian football bores me; there’s too much tactics, too much pressure. It lacks excitement. Managers know they can’t afford to make mistakes, that their jobs depend on results. And that leads them to make conservative choices."

The VAR Problem

On the Video Assistant Referee system: "VAR was introduced to improve football, but it has ended up slowing the game down. It takes the excitement out of it, disrupts the flow of matches and has made them less enjoyable to watch. I wonder why it was introduced if, for every incident, play is halted for two or three minutes. We must also bear in mind that the decision is often subjective, not objective. It depends on the referee’s interpretation. We need clear rules; the same handball cannot be judged differently just a week later."

Commentary in the Modern Era

Reflecting on his role: "Football has changed, and so has the way we report on it. Now everything is live; the anticipation is gone, it has vanished. Those who report on football have a responsibility: they must do so with balance, respect and expertise. It is important to be professional and act professionally, bearing in mind that there is little time to reflect. That what you say can go viral."

Italy's World Cup Play-off Challenge

Regarding Italy's upcoming play-offs: "I have mixed feelings ahead of the play-off. I really hope Italy qualifies for the World Cup, for all those young fans who have never heard the national anthem at a World Cup. Qualifying strengthens our sense of belonging. I believe that the toughest opponent to overcome isn’t Northern Ireland or, potentially, either Bosnia or Wales, but fear."

Quick Takes on Players and Coaches

D'Agostino shared brief insights on several figures:

• Daniele De Rossi: "I consider him a natural. He’s a great person on a personal level, a football man who has had the patience to wait and not rush things. He knows how to weigh up the pros and cons of every opportunity."
• Cesc Fàbregas: "He's a strong, self-assured, modern manager. He has clear ideas. I repeat, he's a strong manager."
• Pio Esposito: "I see him as a modern-day Luca Toni; I like him because he always takes to the pitch with a hunger to win and a fierce determination. That’s his strength. He’s a young man with the attitude of a seasoned professional."
• Marco Palestra: "He's a strong player, a modern power forward or centre, who would fit into a top-flight team. He's ready for the big step up, though I'm not sure he's quite ready to be a mainstay at a top club."

Dream Five-a-Side Team

When asked to pick a five-a-side team: "My dream five-a-side football team? I'd pick Donnarumma in goal and van Dijk at the back. In midfield, Cherki and Vitinha, and up front a false nine: Yamal is a must."

Palermo's Serie A Hopes

A die-hard Palermo fan, D'Agostino added: "I’m a die-hard Palermo fan; as a native of Palermo, I hope the club can return to Serie A – it’s the stage it deserves."