Walter Zenga. He’s one of the greats. For Italy. For Inter Milan. A title winner as a player – and as a coach. Zenga has achieved success across the game and the globe… and he’s not done yet.
A championship winner in Romania and Serbia. Coaching with the likes of Wolves, Sampdoria and even Al-Nassr – pre-Cristiano Ronaldo – Zenga has taken that wealth of experience to Indonesia. Now 63, Zenga is working as technical consultant to Persita Tangerang. And he admits, while happy with the role, a return to coaching in Italy has been discussed.
Speaking with Tribalfootball.com, Zenga reflected. “Yes I have coached in different countries like The USA, Serbia, Romania, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, in the UK, Italy and now I am a consultant of Persita Tangerang in Indonesia.
“To be sincere, in every place where I have been I learned something that would help me for my future. Also due to these experiences, I have friends in every corner of the world and this from a personal point of view is fantastic.”
His last coaching position was held with Cagliari in 2021. Zenga would guide the Sardinians to a respectable 14th place finish in Serie A, only to replaced at the beginning of the following season by Eusebio di Francesco, now of Frosinone.
“Yes I have had different offers from Italy (this year) but for one reason or another we didn’t achieve an agreement,” says Zenga. “I live in the moment and I don’t have such a problem with when I will return there or if I will return to Italy. I’m happy with what I do and who I am.”
A former European Goalkeeper of the Year, Zenga is best known from his time with Inter Milan. He came through the Nerazzurri youth system, spending 16 years with the club and was part of the 1989 Scudetto winners. Inter, with the likes of Zenga, Lothar Matthaus, Andy Brehme and Nicola Berti dominated Serie A for that 1988/89 season, finishing ahead of Diego Maradona’s Napoli and AC Milan with a then record points haul of 58.
“Everything that happened at Inter was wonderful,” Zenga recalled, smiling, “it was a dream come true. Being an idol of the fans also now after many years it’s the most beautiful victory for me that cannot be compared to any title.
“The titles that I won were also due to my team and teammates. For me it was very beautiful and special to win the Scudetto, the UEFA Cup, etc.
“In contrast, regarding the individual titles, I’d say it was the recognition for the work done – but especially for the luck of having played in a great team.”
Cycle through to today and there’s a belief that Inter are now building another great team. Simone Inzaghi’s charges lead the table with five wins from five games and with only one goal conceded.
Zenga still follows the Nerazzurri closely and admits their start has surprised him.
“Inter changed a lot during the summer. But I think with all the players that arrived, the squad was complete in every position for the new season.
“(But) I’m not yet convinced regarding three of those new players – (Yann) Sommer, (Marko) Arnautovic, and (Alexis) Sanchez. But I hope in the end I will be wrong.”
And among the raft of summer arrivals, there is one player Zenga is particularly keeping close tabs on.
“Regarding the other new goalkeeper (Emil) Audero, I like him very much from a technical point of view,” says the Inter great. “He is from Indonesia and this coincidence with me now living in Indonesia is nice…!”
So what about this season’s Scudetto? Well, Zenga warns Inter not to count out defending champions Napoli just yet.
He says: “I would say Napoli is still the biggest favourite for the title. But after them, I would put Inter and Juventus for title contenders and in the third line, I would say Milan and Lazio.”
And he is also quick to offer support to Inter’s Treble winner Jose Mourinho and a former controversial Nerazzurri star.
“But for me Roma, now that they’ve bought (Romelu) Lukaku are serious contenders. They will fight with Napoli, Inter, and Juventus for the championship.”
As for the current state of Italy’s goalkeeping, Zenga says it’s in good hands. Indeed, the 58-cap veteran insists there’s plenty of young talent now coming through capable of making a big name for themselves.
He laughs: “The new Zenga is my son Walter Junior who is 11 years old!
“Besides the jokes, I think that now there are a lot of good Italian goalkeepers. The Italian school has returned to producing goalkeepers of a high level.”
