ASTRA TALKS: SOCCER IS A SIMPLE GAME

Milan, April 17 – An extraordinary event was held in the Franceschi Lecture Hall of Bocconi University, organized by AstraBocconi, the student representation association. The conference brought together prominent figures from the world of soccer, including legendary goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, sports journalist Federica Zille, and Giovanni Pastore. Professor Dino Ruta, a pillar of soccer at Bocconi and director of the Master’s program in FIBA, moderated the engaging exchange.

Pier Bianco, co-founder of Astra and co-organizer of the event, warmly welcomed the audience and introduced the guests. Professor Ruta then expressed his gratitude to his colleague Sandro Micheli for his crucial role in the organization and kicked off the discussion, promising an open and constructive dialogue on the shared passion for soccer.

INIDMENTABLE MOMENTS IN SOCCER

The conversation began with the most significant memories related to each guest’s profession in the world of sports. Federica Zille recounted a memorable 2019 match between Liverpool and AC Milan. She highlighted the unique opportunity to commentate on players she had admired as a youngster, emphasizing their humility and approachability despite their success. “It was incredibly exciting to realize that I was there, commenting on players that I once only watched on TV,” she said.

Giovanni Pastore shared the excitement of conducting a pre-match at San Siro during a Milan-Inter derby, an experience he described as a rare privilege. “The atmosphere charged with electricity and the imminence of the match created an almost surreal atmosphere,” underlining how such moments make sports journalism a truly unique profession.

Gigi Buffon spoke about his Serie A debut with Parma as a pivotal moment in his career. “That day I fulfilled my dreams as a child, entering the field with the knowledge that I had done something great,” adding that the emotions of that day still accompany him.

FROM ROOTS TO BIG ARENAS

Delving further, Buffon revealed a surprising start to his soccer career since he played in unexpected roles, having been a midfielder or libero until the age of 12. The change of role to goalkeeper was a turning point, prompted by his passion for goalkeeping for Cameroon during the 1990 World Cup. “Changing roles at that age was strange but decisive. My first international game as a goalkeeper, Argentina versus Cameroon, marked the beginning of my career in this role,” Buffon explained, showing how youthful decisions can influence a lifetime.

COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY: THE NEW PARADIGM OF ITALIAN SOCCER

The first major theme focused on the competitiveness of domestic soccer. “We used to be the most beautiful league in the world, today we have to recognize our limitations and work to improve,” the moderator began, asking participants to reflect on ways to boost the level of Italian soccer.

Federica Zille, the sports journalist, stressed the importance of sustainability as a fulcrum for soccer ‘s revitalization. “The role of politics is crucial.” She explained. “For example, the Udine stadium shows how sustainable management can not only support a club economically but also benefit the local community.” Zille elaborated on the stadium’s versatility in hosting events throughout the week, generating significant revenue. However, she also pointed out limitations imposed by political restrictions that hinder the full potential of the space for the community.

Giuseppe Pastore offered a data-driven analysis, highlighting how Italy is experiencing a sports renaissance fueled by successes in the youth sectors and the tactical expertise of Italian coaches such as Spalletti. “Despite criticism, we have achieved remarkable results at the international level. We need to value these successes instead of focusing only on limitations.”

Gigi Buffon presented a realistic yet optimistic outlook, emphasizing that Italian soccer retains its competitiveness despite lacking the past’s “glamour“. “The big stars of the past entailed enormous costs. Today we have to be smart in valorizing emerging talents and optimizing available resources to keep competitiveness high.”

Professor Dino Ruta closed the debate by highlighting how realism should not lead to pessimism: “We have a clear and, although critical, also optimistic vision of our soccer’s ability to renew itself and compete at the highest level.”

REFLECTIONS ON THE ROLE OF “FLAGS”

The second major theme explored the meaning and importance of “flags” in the world of soccer, a term that encompasses players, presidents, and investors who are considered landmarks for their teams and communities.

Professor Ruta opened the discussion by highlighting how iconic soccer figures, or “flags,” represent not only sporting excellence but also a club’s identity and continuity. “A flag is more than just a player; it is a pillar that supports not only the team but also the surrounding community.“

Gigi Buffon shared his personal experience about what it means to be a flag. “I never played to become a flag. I think these are circumstances that develop naturally, based on mutual respect and appreciation between the player and the club.”  He also emphasized the importance of shared goals and a long-standing connection, citing his lengthy periods with Parma and Juventus as prime examples.

However, Buffon acknowledged that loyalty and identity can be tested, especially when external circumstances such as changes in club leadership or tempting professional opportunities push a flag to consider new possibilities. “The decision to remain loyal to a club is never a foregone conclusion and often involves personal and professional sacrifices,” he noted.

Federica Zille spoke about the importance of flags from a media perspective, emphasizing how interviewing these figures can reveal the depth of their impact on the sport and beyond. She cited examples of players such as Paolo Maldini and Lorenzo Insigne, who had to manage not only sporting expectations but also the weight of tradition and local pressure. “Interviewing these legends offers a unique insight into the pressure involved in being a flag, not only on the field but also in everyday life,” Zille said.

GERMANY 2006: A TURNING POINT AND EMOTIONAL STABILITY.

Gigi Buffon shared profound reflections on his experience in the 2006 World Cup, describing how that event represented the culmination of his soccer career.

Asked about the significance of Germany 2006 in his professional life, Buffon highlighted not only the importance of the victory but also the value of the experience shared with teammates. “The real treasure of that World Cup was not just the trophy, but the close relationships with teammates, some of whom I have known since we were kids. That made it even more special.”

BEYOND THE VICTORY…

Deeply human in his approach, Buffon emphasized how soccer is about much more than victories on the field. “Sharing goals and values with my teammates has always prevailed. If we had won without that bond, it would not have had the same value.” he continued, reinforcing the idea that sport is first and foremost a human and collective experience.

Responding to Federica Zille, who asked how to keep the “straight tiller” during difficult times, Buffon reflected on the need for balanced leadership, especially when facing significant challenges both on the field and in life. “Maintaining an emotional balance is crucial, and often depends on the support and guidance of a capable coach and the solidity of the group,” he explained, emphasizing how difficult moments require careful management of team dynamics.

Buffon also touched on the responsibility of athletes to maintain conduct with integrity despite external pressures. “Being a soccer player or any kind of athlete carries a responsibility not only to oneself but also to the fans and the wider community,” he said, stressing the importance of acting with integrity even when in the spotlight.

ANECDOTES FROM THE 2006 WORLD CUP

Gigi Buffon also shared vivid memories of the Italian national team’s training camp before the 2006 World Cup, highlighting moments of levity and tension that preceded the historic victory.

TABLE TENNIS AS A METAPHOR FOR COMPETITION AND CHARACTER

Responding to a question from Federica Zille, a sports journalist, Buffon talked about how table tennis had enlivened the team’s training camp, becoming a symbol of competitiveness and cohesion. “We were all immersed in the game, improving reflexes and at the same time creating bonds,” Buffon said. He went on to describe an incident in which, in a fit of frustration over a lost game against Simone Barone, he ended up venting his anger by kicking a glass window, with no injuries sustained. “That gesture, as extreme as it was, made me realize how charged and ready I was, it was my year,” he added with a smile.

Team Moments and Cohesion: A significant anecdote concerned the role of lesser-used players during the tournament. Buffon recalled how Massimo Oddo, despite playing sparingly during the World Cup, contributed to team morale by cutting his teammates’ hair before the quarterfinals. “These seemingly small gestures cemented team spirit and showed how even those who play less can have a huge impact off the field.”

INFLUENCE AND RECOGNITION IN SOCCER

Asked about his influence on successive generations of goalkeepers, Buffon modestly mentioned Donnarumma as an example of emerging talent influenced by his years on the field. “I see traces of my style in many young goalkeepers, but they each carry on the tradition in their own way,” he commented.

As for the accolades, Buffon reflected on the difference between being an active player and retiring. “When you play, you’re one of them, but once you retire, you realize the respect and admiration people have for you, often more intense than you expect,” he noted, underlining how public esteem can grow over time.

FUTURE PROSPECTS IN SOCCER AND LIFE

Concluding the session, the moderator asked Buffon and his colleagues where they saw themselves in 10 years. Federica Zille expressed her desire to become the director of a newspaper focused on a more genuine, fan-centered approach to the world of soccer. Giovanni Pastore shared his hope to continue educating the younger generation through soccer stories, while Buffon, with his typical directness, admitted that he has no clue where he would be in the future. By showing his impulsive nature he admitted “I could be anywhere, depending on how things evolve. I don’t like mediocrity; I prefer to live vibrantly, for good or ill.”

CONCLUSION: The event at Bocconi University confirmed the importance of ongoing dialogue in soccer, not only as a sport but as a cultural and social phenomenon that touches different generations and professions. The wide participation and enthusiasm shown by both the speakers and the audience reflect a growing interest in issues of sustainability, identity, and the future of Italian and international soccer. The discussions offered not only food for thought but also concrete solutions to address current challenges in the world of soccer, emphasizing the importance of more inclusive and responsible management. This conference not only illuminated the future of soccer but also reaffirmed Bocconi University’s role as a crucial meeting place for the brightest minds in the field of sports.