Italy’s World Cup win inspired date for Nesta’s unveiling at Monza

Alessandro Nesta is being unveiled as the new Monza coach and Adriano Galliani says he chose this date because 18 years ago today the former defender became World Cup champion with Italy.

Former Italian defender Nesta held his first press conference as the new Monza coach on Tuesday, July 9.

“I’ve chosen this date because 18 years ago today, he won the World Cup with Italy,” said Monza director Galliani, as quoted by TMW.

“He’s among the few players to be World Cup champion with the national team and Milan and a U21 European Champion with Cesare Maldini on the bench.

“I courted him, but I struggled less than I did in 2002. At that time, it was tough to sign him,” continued the Monza director.

“I consider Nesta to be one of the best-ever defenders. When we signed him, Ancelotti and I thought we’d win the Champions League. Nesta spent ten years at Milan, playing 224 matches. It was an extraordinary path. I wish him the same success as a coach.

“He’s an excellent coach and he’ll do well. Nesta said he’s never coached in Serie A, but even Palladino had only coached in the youth sector [before being appointed as Monza’s head coach]. And let me mention Arrigo Sacchi. Decisions taken by Berlusconi and me have always been like this. Sacchi had never coached in Serie A and in the end, he won something.”