Former Juventus legend Causio, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, stated that he wishes VAR would be used specifically to punish players who dive, and claimed Locatelli has always been underestimated.

Causio, what are your thoughts on Orsato's refereeing philosophy? Does the idea of minimizing game interruptions and VAR intervention convince you?

This is neither new nor surprising: England has been following these guidelines for years, aiming to ensure an enjoyable viewing experience. As for VAR, if I had my way, I'd use it exclusively to catch divers.

Could you elaborate?

I'd like referees to use VAR to penalize players who barely get touched yet immediately throw themselves on the ground and put on an exaggerated show: they fall, then half a second later they're up and running even faster than before.

Speaking of VAR: some people believe the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another. Last year, it was common to see at least two on-field reviews by the referee in a match; now, referees rarely go to the monitor. For example, the uncalled penalty in the Torino match...

That risk certainly exists. The key is for referees to establish a consistent standard for officiating and stick to it. I don't want to see similar incidents handled in completely different ways.

Looking at the positive side: have you enjoyed the first five rounds of Serie A?

To be honest, only moderately. I'll say it again: I prefer watching the Premier League. Many former colleagues tell me the games are more exciting now, and competitive intensity is back. But I still see goalkeepers touching the ball 80% of the time and midfielders only 20%. Clearly, something isn't right. The football I enjoy emphasizes rhythm, space, and speed. These three elements are still too scarce in Serie A.

How do you assess Juventus' performance in the early part of the season?

This team is in a rebuilding phase. Unfortunately, there are too many injuries, and Spalletti hasn't yet been able to fully unleash the tactical potential of the entire squad. Coupled with a major overhaul of the club's management, many issues have accumulated. In short, we shouldn't rush for success; decisions must be made cautiously, analyzing what strategies work and what doesn't, while also delivering results, as results drive the team's growth.

What are your thoughts on the new management at Juventus?

I am very familiar with Carnevali and Massara, and I am confident that Juventus is now in reliable hands. Both are top professionals, and their partnership seems to be working well. I can only wish them all the best. The top priority is that every step going forward must be flawless, starting with the January transfer window.

Which positions need strengthening?

The team lacks players with leadership qualities. Currently, perhaps only Bremer is slowly becoming someone who can lead the team again. Additionally, they need a forward who can score 20 goals a season and a top playmaker—a midfield general who can orchestrate the entire team. This remains true even if Douglas Luiz returns from injury; he had a good start to the season. I followed him in his first few years in the Premier League, where he was one of the league's top midfielders. I was surprised to see him struggle so much in Italy. Spalletti has shown faith in him, and he has responded somewhat, but he hasn't returned to his peak level. I hope he becomes more involved in the team's play.

What about the injured Locatelli? How do you rate him?

He's a player who has always been underestimated. Luciano (Spalletti) is trying him in a deep midfield role, playing in front of the defense, and I think he's doing very well so far. But I reiterate: the midfield still has shortcomings. There are too few game-changing players, even among the substitutes. I recall the old days of Juventus, when a coach could turn and see Dybala, Pogba, and Marchisio sitting on the bench. These crucial players could change the course of a match. With all due respect, we don't have players of that caliber now.

Conceição undoubtedly possesses talent, but his threat in front of goal still seems insufficient. What does this player lack to become a top-tier star?

Exactly, I completely agree. He has good ability, but his finishing is consistently poor. Yildiz is very similar to him, almost cut from the same cloth. In attacking positions, players need stronger mental fortitude and decisiveness. Luciano (Spalletti) needs to help him unleash that.

Is that the only problem with this Portuguese player—just a mentality issue?

No, I think the root cause lies in the quality of training during the week.

How do you mean?

When I played, after every training session, I would stay behind. I'd run up and down the flanks, dribble around cones, and repeatedly practice delivering precise crosses to teammates. Back at Udinese, my friend Zico and I did the same. After everyone else left, we'd always stay an extra hour, practicing crosses, penalties, free kicks—honing all set pieces. If these details are worked on repeatedly during the week, they will naturally translate to matches. I suggest Conceição trains like that. He needs to learn to deliver the ball more effectively to the center-forward.

What do you think of Muani?

He played very well against Atalanta, but overall he still lacks decisiveness. Part of the reason is the scarcity of quality balls delivered to him. We need to create more opportunities for him to shoot. However, I believe Luciano will make the appropriate tactical adjustments; he's very good at that.

Mbangwa was brought in during the summer for the attacking front. Has he impressed you in these early matches?

He still has a lot to learn, but his talent is undeniable. Yildiz is in a similar situation, with huge room for improvement. After he recovers from injury, he will also need to shoulder more responsibility and believe he can carry the team's burden. He shouldn't limit himself to his own small area and play individually. I expect him to make this transformation, as he is still young.

González is also back. Among Nícolas, Yildiz, Conceição, and Mbangwa, who do you think has the most potential to single-handedly change a game, much like you did in your Juventus days?

Currently, I choose Nícolas. Compared to the others, he truly has an extra dimension: not just game experience, but also that unique toughness and fighting spirit inherent in Argentine players. He's a versatile player, able to play anywhere on the pitch. His dribbling is reliable, and he excels at creating numerical advantages in one-on-one situations—that's his strength. Whether he plays as an attacking midfielder behind the center-forward or on the wing, I admire him in every position.

Putting aside the Argentine fighting spirit, what do you think of the Italian core in Spalletti's Juventus squad? In the match against Sassuolo, due to injuries, for the first time in Juventus' history, there wasn't a single Italian attacking player on the field.

This is something that needs to be addressed. Having an Italian core in the squad is crucial; they are the foundation of the dressing room. I'm not saying we need to replicate my era where everyone was Italian, but rather look at recent squads: Buffon, Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci, Marchisio, Pirlo. These were true leaders.

There's another rare record: Juventus' only player called up to the Italian national team is Vicario. Is he considered Juventus-caliber?

You know, saying "Juventus-caliber goalkeeper" might not mean much nowadays; the standard depends on the era. He can't be compared to legendary figures like Buffon, Zoff, or Tacconi. But he is an excellent goalkeeper; I started following him back in his youth days at Udinese.

Do you like Perin? Juventus might try to finalize a deal for him in January.

It's strange that people only started talking about him after the win against Como. He's been playing for the Italian U21 national team for a long time. Baldini's assessment has been spot on.

What did he say?

Silvio (Baldini) is right: everyone praises Como, but rarely mentions Frosinone, a team that fields four or five Italian U21 youngsters every weekend.

Speaking of the national team: Italy has missed out on three consecutive World Cups. Do you think Mancini is the right person to lead the team's restart?

He has the potential for the role. Personally, I would have preferred Baldini or my friend Conte. But since Malagò has made his decision, we can only look forward.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com