In the standings following the results of 2006, the Florentines took only 4th place. However, this did not prevent Prandelli from getting around such bison as Roberto Mancini, Fabio Capello, Luciano Spalletti and Carlo Ancelotti. And Marcello Lippi, who gilded “Squadro Azzurra” at the World Cup, but did not work at the club level, for objective reasons could not compete with the coach of “violets”.
The biography of 49-year-old Prandelli is a typical example of how a mid-footed football player eventually turns into a first-class football teacher. However, when he was a player, Cesare had enough reasons for pride.
Midfielder, albeit not in the first roles, but still included in the troupe of the legendary Juventus of the early 80's. Spending about half of the matches for the season, Prandelli won the scudetto three times from 81 to 85, winning the Champions Cup, Cup, Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup and Italian Cup. The collection of titles is impressive.
About coach Prandelli talked loudly in the spring of 2000, when his “Verona” issued an amazing win-win series for the modest team. In order to realize the phenomenality of those events seven years ago, we turn to the facts. After 19 rounds of the 99/00 championship, the Veronets with 16 points (4 wins, 4 draws and 11 defeats) took 16th place and, of course, did not think of anything other than banal survival. They probably themselves were surprised at their further agility. In the remaining 15 rounds, “Verona” achieved 6 victories, in 9 matches shared points and, gaining 43 points, finished at the top of the table - on the 9th line. Moreover, Prandelli could not resist the squad, who became the champion of “Lazio” (1: 0), nor the silver “Juventus” (2: 0), and “Milan” sweated over a home draw (3: 3).
Prior to Verona, Prandelli collaborated with Lecce and Atalanta. In Bergamo in the late 80s, he stopped playing and started working with youth and youth teams. Cesare quickly gained fame as a successful coach: in the 93rd “primavera” he managed won the prestigious tournament in Viareggio. Perhaps this is a coincidence. But since about the time of Prandelli, the Atalanta school has been known as one of the strongest and most prolific in the Apennines, and it is not without reason that it is considered a dock in the development of young talents.
In the summer of 2002, Cesare took over the leadership of Parma and began enthusiastically implementing the main credo. Season 02/03 opened to Italy Bonera, Bresciano and Gilardino. A year later, Marchionny, Donadel and Rosina joined the list. It’s a paradox, but the financial collapse that overtook the Parmeznites contributed to fruitful work with young people - they could only rely on it in the absence of funds. It was under Prandelli that Mutu, Adriano and Matteo Ferrari revealed themselves in all their splendor, formerly only promising.
But even earlier, his two-year work at Verona helped to get Frey to a new level (he, like Mutu and Donadel, remains under the wing of Prandelli), Diana, who now plays for Palermo and the Italian national team, as well as Martin Laursen and Brocca, who then won the Scudetto in AC Milan. At that time, these players were 20-22 years old ...
Absolutely: Prandelli never had bad teams. All his brainchilds are distinguished by a competent and intelligent game that pleases the eye. Sharp attacks are preferred: the coach collects technical and subtle performers, which can be safely called the good half of the current Florentines. The same Mutu, it seemed, had already reached the ceiling. But there is no limit to perfection. In the championship 06/07, Adrian's game freshened up, gained new colors. Do not be surprised. Indeed, it was precisely at Prandelli that the Romanian proved himself four years ago (18 goals and 16 assists in the Parma-02/03). And now the coach, met again with “his” ward and continued to develop his abilities.
Another characteristic feature of Prandelli’s work is probably to call ... unique cynicism. As a rule, his teams steadily take the so-called “their” points and do not give fans any reason for discontent. In short, Fiorentina is in very good hands. And, despite a substantial fine, she, it seems, is able to break through to the top of the table - to the champions ’place in the first quartet.
Denis ORLOV