“In football, it is difficult to say that one manager inspires you,” began the 36-year-old Davide. “You take things from different managers.
“Pep Guardiola was cutting edge, a pioneer. You cannot forget Jurgen Klopp in the high pressing, in the triggers. If we speak about superiority, you have to mention Roberto de Zerbi in how to find the third man, the small details that he discovered. I am fascinated by the defensive phase of Diego Simeone, by Unai Emery and, of course, my father.
“My father came from the school of Arrigo Sacchi, the zonal defence, the 4-4-2.
“And all of these ideas have influenced my own identity as a manager. This process of creating my own identity as a manager is always an ongoing one. For some people I am like my father, but in truth, I am not exactly like him. I have a similar character, but I am a different kind of manager.
“I don’t think a manager has to be one thing or another. There is always a point in the middle. You adapt to the players, and sometimes to the opponent, but you also need clear ideas on what you like as a manager.
“In the end, the team will become what you emphasise and you emphasise the things you like.”