Italian legend Gianni Rivera says Milan’s Mario Balotelli must learn humility, while lamenting the lack of technique in modern football.
The Ballon D’Or and Euro 1968 winner, as well as finalist in the 1970 World Cup, was interviewed by the Corriere dello Sport.
As part of an extensive meditation on his past achievements, he also made a comment on contemporary football.
“There’s too much physicality and not enough technique,” he said.
Italian legend Gianni Rivera says Milan’s Mario Balotelli must learn humility, while lamenting the lack of technique in modern football.
The Ballon D’Or and Euro 1968 winner, as well as finalist in the 1970 World Cup, was interviewed by the Corriere dello Sport.
As part of an extensive meditation on his past achievements, he also made a comment on contemporary football.
“There’s too much physicality and not enough technique,” he said.
“[Coach Nils] Liedholm would have lost his mind. He wanted people to know how to execute long balls, how to dribble, how to shoot.
“In brief he wanted people to know how to play football, which is not a body-building contest.
“Today’s Serie A is very balanced, but if Inter keep going on at this pace…”
Finally, Rivera touched on the subject of one of Italy’s most discussed players.
“Balotelli is a phenomenon, but he has to be humble. On Tuesday, after his goal [against Palermo], he started saying inappropriate things again.
“If he can stay humble then he’s a resource for our football.”