Former Juventus defender Mark Iuliano discussed his career and rivalry against Inter in an interview with Italian journalist Nicolò Schira on Instagram earlier today, with his statements reported by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.
First, he spoke about the strongest opponent that he’s ever faced.
“Ronaldo, the Phenomenon was something incredible. Especially the year at Inter, even though I also marked him in Madrid when he was at Real. Ronie was impressive and magnificent, when I saw him on TV, I cheered for him. It was great to see him play. In 97/98 he was incredible.”
The former Bianconeri defender then discussed the famous moment in the 1997/98 season, when he tackled Ronaldo in the second Derby d’Italia of the season. Ronaldo wasn’t given the penalty and the Old Lady would go on to win a penalty a minute later, which Del Piero missed.
“In two days, it’ll be 22 years on from that day. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t talk to me about it. The first few years it bothered me a bit that I was only remembered for that one moment and not for the 15 years of an incredible Serie A career in which I won everything.
“I met Ronaldo several times since and we joked about it. I understand the anger Inter fans felt in that moment, because we were playing for a Scudetto. Off the field instead we archived it.”
Iuliano also spoke the infamous date of May 5th 2002, when Inter lost the league title to Juventus on the last day of the Serie A season.
“It was a crazy season, the most unexpected season. Inter had had a great campaign and we were convinced they were having a party in Rome. But they didn’t win and we took advantage of it. We were good at not giving up that year by staying close to them.
“That year in Mallorca, Cuper held it against me every day. Héctor Cúper was a great coach and above all a real man, all in one. We worked together in Spain and I could appreciate the man as well as the professional. I told him the same thing, on 5th of May it was your fault, if you won the Scudetto in Rome we wouldn’t have won it.”
The 46-year-old Italian then discussed his former teammate Antonio Conte, who is now the head coach of the Nerazzurri.
“He has crazy football ideas, a winning mentality. He didn’t want to miss a single training session. An incredible ferocity and determination. He manages to bring out the best in every player at his disposal, he doesn’t give up anything and manages to convey his beliefs and convictions to you.
“He succeeded even with the National team where you have very little time compared to the club, this says a lot about Conte’s value. Everything he’s won, he’s won with his hard work. Antonio was our captain and already on the pitch he was giving us directions.
“He and Zidane are the best coaches around, although different. Antonio is more fundamentalist tactically while Zizou is less tied to the plans.”
The former Juventus defender gave a starting 11 of the best players from his career.
“I’d choose a 4-2-3-1 formation. Buffon in goal, Thuram, Cannavaro, Montero and Maldini in defense. In the midfield Conte and Davids. Messi-Nedved-Cristiano in support of Ronaldo the Phenomenon. With such a team it’s impossible not to win every game.”
Finally, Iuliano spoke about former Atalanta forward Federico Pisani, who died in a car crash in 1997.
“A talent and an extraordinary guy. Unfortunately, he left us too soon, he would have become a great player. We were together at Monza. Me, him, Mignani and Della Morte were very close and we got the same tattoo. I always carry him in my heart.”
