Dino Zoff spoke in an interview with Tuttosport about the rivalry between Napoli and Juventus, recalling his move from Napoli to Juventus:
“The rival has always existed, today it is exasperated because the whole world is exasperated, from politics down. Everything is exacerbated, but it is a game that is convenient for those who ride it and take extreme positions to build a character on those positions. Worrying? Like all the drift that is taking the world, there are more worrying things “.
“They never called me a traitor for that move, which was decided by Ferlaino. Let’s talk clearly, the bell tower, the heated rivalry, has always existed. And, frankly, it does not seem to be changed. What is around us has changed, the way it is amplified. That perhaps is sick, but not the rivalry. Heck, let’s talk about sport, how do you conceive without a bit of rivalry? Of course, I agree with you about tempering. Extremism and violence, even the verbal one, I never liked it, I condemn it wherever it comes from.
So I tell the fans to enjoy the challenge, which is very beautiful and exciting, without ruining it with the lack of respect, but preserving the spirit of the bell tower that has always animated Juventus-Naples. These are strange times. Hate? I do not know, it’s an important word, it should be used with caution. Are you sure there is really hate? I do not want these extreme positions are not just to expose themselves, to excessively show their belonging … I do not know, I do not like it, but I would not even play the game of those who exaggerate for the sake of exaggerating. My wish is that the challenge between Juventus and Napoli is experienced as it is: a challenge between two great football teams and between two cities that are traditionally rivals. But do not say North against South, because even there I would have to say. Yes, for the fans it’s like that, but how many Juventus fans live south? How many southern players have dressed the bianconeri shirt? “
