Oliver Bierhoff warns Milan of missing spark at Trento Festival

Former Milan and Udinese striker Oliver Bierhoff appeared on the opening day of the Festival dello Sport in Trento, taking part in the 'Una vita da centravanti' panel at the Teatro Sociale. Interviewed by Pierfrancesco Archetti, the German ex‑international reflected on his spells with Inter, Ascoli, Udinese and his affection for Milan.

Festival kicks off in Trento

The Festival dello Sport began in Trento with a panel titled "Una vita da centravanti" held at the historic Teatro Sociale di Trento. Bierhoff answered questions on stage while the conversation was recorded for.com. The event highlighted the careers of former centre‑forwards and attracted a keen local audience.

Bierhoff was asked whether Del Goncalo Ramos could lift Milan. He replied, "A single player is difficult, but he can help. The balls have to arrive and the squad needs strengthening. Milan is in my heart, but lately I have not seen them take the initiative. Once you watched them you saw world‑class talent, today that is no longer the case."

Insights on Italy and Germany

Speaking about the Italian national team, Bierhoff said it was in a poor period and that change cannot be achieved in two or three years. He recalled Germany’s overhaul after 2000, noting a ten‑year investment in training methods, infrastructure, stadiums and academies that produced a technically superior side by the 2010 World Cup.

He added that short‑term fixes are hard, citing a lack of quality and the need for patience. While respecting players, he contrasted Italy’s golden generation with Germany’s current high‑level talent, mentioning champions like Lothar Matthäus who thrived in Italy. He also said Jurgen Klopp and Roberto Mancini are the right figures for a quick revival but warned of immediate challenges.

When asked about former Milan captain Paolo Maldini, Bierhoff confirmed they spoke often on the phone and he offered his experience, stressing the importance of a system willing to follow even painful measures. Regarding the upcoming France‑Italy match, he warned that France could win by any margin, even four‑zero, because of their strength.

Memories of clubs and personalities

Bierhoff recalled his move to Inter, noting he never played for them but was thrilled to sign a three‑year contract after the club told him they already had three foreign players. He then joined Ascoli, where he quickly learned Italian because few spoke English, joking that he also wanted to meet girls.

He described his time at Udinese as a period of unity despite the team’s ups and downs, praising captain Sandro Calori. Bierhoff said he became so Italianised that he even shouted instructions in Italian while playing for Germany, finding the language more musical for insults.

On former teammates and owners, he recalled Rozzi’s emotional outbursts and salary freezes, noting that initially Rozzi wanted him sent away from Ascoli but later called him a son. He described Massimo Pozzo as a calm football lover, and Silvio Berlusconi as a politician with a great mindset whom he saw only a few times. He added that Adriano Galliani, who he met regularly, was the most passionate figure and the one who swiftly convinced him to join Milan, a decision he still cherishes.