EXCLUSIVE: Brescia coach Corini on Italy's crisis & whether ex-teammate Guardiola can end it
"Securing victories is invariably tough," no matter the division or its reputation. Corini gained this insight over his playing career, where his tactical prowess and guiding presence propelled squads to legendary status in Italian football, such as the Palermo outfit under Maurizio Zamparini that rose from Serie B to the UEFA Cup.
He grasped this truth even deeper in his coaching roles, handling driven teams and tackling demanding circumstances that were frequently intricate, challenges that many would have avoided.
One key challenge today involves his local club in Brescia. Accepting it stemmed from deep personal ties, nearly an obligation for someone originating from the region, specifically Bagnolo Mella.
Following the downfall of Brescia Calcio, a lingering scar for a community that embraced football as integral to its essence for more than a century, Corini came back during the campaign to shoulder a substantial heritage. Beyond assembling a formidable side, he aims to rebuild faith, stability, and community connection.
"I must admit the atmosphere is filled with confidence," Corini starts.
"This was a campaign where we ended up runners-up, trailing a Vicenza squad that had pursued promotion for four seasons. Triumphing is always challenging, as shown by a side like Vicenza...
"We came second, and given the campaign's progression, with numerous injuries plaguing the roster - we navigated ongoing crises - it is an impressive outcome, and now we are gearing up optimally for the promotion playoffs."
The playoffs represent the path to success for Union Brescia, who aspire to Serie B elevation while competing against strong contenders like Ascoli, Salernitana, and Catania. Corini’s squad kicks off against Casarano, vying for a spot in the Final Four.
It functions as a tournament in itself, and Corini appears to possess a solid plan to fulfil the initiative launched in December 2025.
"Success in the playoffs comes from tackling them with sharp focus, immense resolve, and adapting to those subtle shifts that can alter rapidly during a fixture or across contests," states the Union Brescia manager.
For Corini, the two encounters with Casarano should be treated "as extended phases, staying engaged regardless of circumstances, be it smooth sailing or rough patches, since shifts happen swiftly, requiring clear thinking and firm determination to secure something significant."
The runner-up finish at the close of the standard season holds substantial merit for the manager, particularly amid the backdrop of widespread injuries impacting the group and his efforts. The Brescia manager succeeded in re-establishing equilibrium and self-belief in a unit that now enters the playoffs with fresh conviction.
"We overcame a highly tough scenario, held steady to claim second place, and with this momentum, this psychological resilience, we intend to tackle the playoffs effectively," he elaborates.
Ascension would mark a recurrence for Corini, who previously guided Brescia to Serie A in 2019. Yet this term’s path differs markedly from that:
"No parallels exist. Previously, we topped Serie B, but this term I joined halfway through, handling persistent issues, yet this has forged various aspects for me regarding resilience."
Corini holds faith in the ambition, and Brescia stands by him in the push to break free from stagnation since the demise of the city’s former club.
A community eager to revive its legacy, drawing on cherished recollections of icons like Roberto Baggio, Andrea Pirlo, and Pep Guardiola.
'If Guardiola came, it would be hard for anyone to object'
The last mentioned, a past colleague of Corini at Brescia, is currently associated with the Italy job following another World Cup setback.
It is a figure the Brescia manager supports, albeit with a minor caveat.
"I believe Guardiola, with his expertise and interpersonal abilities, could lead any side globally. He possesses robust qualifications for the Italy role, emerging from an extremely turbulent era.
"I cannot deny my preference for a domestic identity, an Italian manager.
"Naturally, if Guardiola arrived, few could oppose, given the stature of the manager and the individual."
The decision for the upcoming federation head will determine the next Italy manager. In the interim, the football framework must devise fresh strategies to escape the mire of the past decade and a half and reinvigorate trust among the setup and athletes.
"It is difficult to accept the absence of elite talents," Corini concedes, attempting to dissect the slump in Italian football.
"Qualifying for the World Cup again seemed improbable, yet it occurred. Perhaps the intense drive to advance became overwhelming. It failed to register as a duty to embrace."
"Today, we must recapture our standing and transform stress into an advantage, building from the base with high standards in youth development, for I remain convinced we possess superb prospects.
"Preparation must cover tactics and skills, alongside mindset, which in contemporary football frequently proves decisive."
Yet issues persist at the administrative tier too, in Corini’s view.
"Robust guidance is essential to provide vision. Plenty of skilled and adept managers exist.
"They require targeted competencies since guiding children from six to ten demands particular qualities. From ten to fourteen marks another phase. From fourteen to seventeen or eighteen constitutes a further stage.
"In my view, fair compensation is vital too, as undervaluing such crucial work undermines the foundation if you deem youth progression central to your vision."
For now, Italians observe the World Cup from afar once more, wishing that by the next edition in four years, the Azzurri secure qualification, perhaps propelled by emerging stars.
And Corini highlights a prospect for tomorrow:
"Among very youthful talents with notable attributes, I spotlight Dennis Beldenti, the most junior who has trained with us over the past three weeks.
"An exceptionally young lad displaying key physical and skill-based potential, affording him ample opportunity to evolve into a performer who could one day represent the national side."