Alessandro Costacurta, legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, sat down for an exclusive interview on Sofascore’s YouTube series A Guest and a Half – 45 minutes of small talk, big names, and stoppage time.
In a conversation filled with memories, Costacurta opened up about the toughest moments of his career, from missing the 1994 World Cup final to lifting five Champions Leagues / European Cups with AC Milan.
Catch the full episode on Sofascore’s YouTube channel here:
Missing the 1994 World Cup Final: A Lesson in Emotional Distance
Costacurta opened up about the emotional toll of missing the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final against Brazil due to suspension, one of the toughest moments of his career. Yet, true to his nature, he insists that even defeats must be handled with grace.
“One day you’re a loser, the next day you’re a great player,” Costacurta reflected. “Keeping the right distance emotionally is the key to staying calm throughout your career.”
He also praised Franco Baresi’s incredible performance in that final, calling it “the greatest individual match I’ve ever witnessed with my own eyes.”
The Dutch Influence: Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, and Training Legends
Dutch players had a major role in shaping Milan’s golden era, and Costacurta made sure to highlight it.
He called Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard “physically dominant, technically brilliant, and true friends who changed Milan forever.”
In a memorable anecdote, he recalled:
“When Zvonimir Boban arrived, every cross he made found Van Basten’s head, and every single one ended in a goal. It was crazy!”
Costacurta also named Gullit among the best he ever faced in aerial duels. And smiled as he described Rijkaard as “always sleepy – always.”
Life Today: From Padels to TV Punditry
Today, Costacurta stays connected to football as a pundit for Sky Sport Italia. He also revealed his new passion for padel, though a recent injury has put him into rehab.
“I’m still lucky,” he laughed. “I had great teammates, a great career, and now a great family life. I’m lucky.”
Dressing Room Secrets: Shevchenko’s Fashion Evolution and Seedorf’s Free-Kick Struggles
The interview wasn’t all serious reflection. Costacurta offered plenty of lighthearted memories from the Milan dressing room.
He joked that when Andriy Shevchenko first arrived at Milan, he was “the worst dressed player”. Until he discovered great Italian suits. Then he improved.
And perhaps most amusingly, he exposed a surprise on the training ground:
“Clarence Seedorf – fantastic in almost everything. But free kicks? Terrible! He always thought he was better than he actually was. He was the worst.”
Costacurta’s Message: Stay Calm, Stay Committed
Throughout the interview, Costacurta emphasized the importance of emotional stability, hard work, and gratitude for every moment in football, whether in victory or defeat.
“When you win, you can’t be too happy. When you lose, you can’t let it destroy you.”
A true icon whose lessons remain timeless.
You can read the whole interview with Alessandro Costacurta on this link.