Locatelli picks four Serie A winners and favourite coaches: ‘De Zerbi madness is a gift’

Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli believes there are four Serie A teams in with a shout of winning the Scudetto by the end of the 2024-25 season, including his Juventus side, while also explaining who his favourite coaches are and why Roberto De Zerbi is such a memorable character.

The 26-year-old gave an in-depth interview to Tuttosport, published on Thursday morning. 

Locatelli on title favourites and memorable Serie A coaches

The Bianconeri midfielder believes that reigning champions Inter are still the favourites for the Serie A title this season, but feels that any one of Juventus, Napoli and Milan can challenge them.

“I believe that Inter remain the favourites, they are the most complete. But there are many good teams, like Milan, who had a great Derby. Napoli and we (Juventus) also are a great team, we must not hide. But let’s take things one step at a time,” Locatelli told Tuttosport.

Locatelli also revealed which coach he has most enjoyed working under in his career to date.

Though he has already worked under several top-level coaches, including current Juve boss Thiago Motta and Italy national team CT Luciano Spalletti, there are two specific names that have stood out, one from his Juventus days, and one dating back to Sassuolo.

“The most unusual is definitely De Zerbi, because he is the craziest, he knows that, too. But his madness is also a gift, it helps him get great results,” Locatelli said.

“Allegri is also a great coach,” he added.