Bierhoff: "There are no more center forwards who are good in the air. Milan, with Vlahovic you're playing it safe."

It didn't take Oliver Bierhoff long to settle in Udine when he arrived in 1995 from Ascoli, still a promising center forward. They're a bit "German" in Udine, serious, hard-working, and owner Pozzo, as he still recalls, "gave me a drill that still works after thirty years," speaking of sustainability, of banning waste, in the zero-impact Bluenergy stadium as in life and football. "Udinese is a great club, in Serie A for over thirty years, and that's always their goal: to be at the top of the table. If they do more, all the better." Bierhoff was Germany's sporting director until the World Cup in Qatar, his ties with Udine have never been severed, and in fact, he's here these days for the Super Cup final. He also has an eye on the Italian championship, where he also played for Ascoli, Milan, and Chievo.

"We're coming off a very difficult season. Our goal must be high—the Champions League—but we need to be more consistent and concrete."

AC Milan could use a centre-forward like you...

"There aren't many center-forwards who are good in the air these days. Not even in Germany. In recent years, the emphasis has been more on ball possession and organization, but I think we'll soon have to go back a bit. Against such tightly packed and well-prepared defenses, you need someone who can resolve the situation with a cross or a high ball. This also applies to defenders, who may be good at creating a unit but less capable individually."

The discussion on headers is broader today, they could hurt...

"I know, but I also remember our Uwe Seeler, a very good centre-forward in the air: he trained with heavy balls to learn how to strike, he lived to be eighty-five. I don't know..."

"I'd say Haaland, but he's better than me, more dynamic. You can see he knows how to move inside and outside the box, he sees space, he knows how to create depth. I was more of a box-to-box player."

In "his" Milan he talks about Hojlund and Vlahovic.

"I'll start by saying that I know very little about Hojlund, so it wouldn't be serious to judge him. Vlahovic, yes, has been playing in Italy for a long time, so there shouldn't be any problems adapting. But one thing is often forgotten: you need a team that plays for the number 9, that creates situations with crosses, passes, and maneuvers. I remember that, when my teams had problems, I wasn't at my best either. It's not just about the center forward."

At Milan there was also Maldini who now can't find, let's say, a team...

"I often talk to Paolo. He's had a great career, and you can't expect a new role to start from scratch. We need people like him. I'd see him doing well in my role, in the national team, with his experience. But wherever he goes, he should feel free to express his opinions."

Gattuso, now Italy's coach, was also at AC Milan. Surprised?

"No, and I'm happy for Rino. When he arrived at Milan, he wasn't considered a 'big name,' but he's grown and become a great player. I'd love to see him again and talk football with him. I hope Italy qualifies; I assure you, we all want the Azzurri to play at the World Cup. I'd be ready to play for him, I don't know if he's up for it. But, if I remember correctly, Rino needs to be a little careful about his weight..."