Italian Serie A becoming graveyard for signing old players — Former player Di Canio

Lazio legend, Paolo Di Canio has expressed concern that Serie A is turning into a “graveyard” for signing ageing football stars. 

 

His comments come after several high-profile transfers this summer, including Luka Modric joining AC Milan from Real Madrid, Edin Dzeko moving to Fiorentina, and Kevin De Bruyne signing for Napoli.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Di Canio questioned why Italian clubs are prioritising veterans over younger talents, noting that these players were not sought after by top European teams before arriving in Italy.
 

“I don’t want to be a destroyer, but I have two analyses. The first: I will enjoy their play, but I’m sorry that no one has looked for them in Europe — not even the third, fourth or fifth forces. We took them from the first,” he said.
 

According to him, while stars like Modric and De Bruyne will still showcase creativity and passing brilliance, the slower rhythms and wider spaces in Serie A make it easier for them to shine despite their age.
 
Referencing past examples like Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry, Di Canio added: “Italian football, from Ronaldo to Ribery, brings people to the twilight. I want to use a term in a friendly, non-derogatory way: the cemetery of noble elephants. As children, they say they watched our football, but they’re still there at 40. They come to wonderful places, but to a tournament that in their memories is the 2006 World Cup, with Cannavaro, a defender, and the Ballon d’Or winner.”