The Dilemma of "Opinionisti Risultatisti": When Media Favors Results Over Artistry in Football

In the high-stakes world of football, the intricate dance between creativity and pragmatism often plays out under the watchful eyes of the media. The journey of Thiago Motta, and many before him, underscores a prevalent narrative: coaches who captivate audiences with compelling, aesthetically pleasing playstyles often find themselves at the mercy of media scrutiny at the first sign of defeat. This phenomenon is sharply dissected by Ivan Zazzaroni in his editorial for Corriere dello Sport, where he criticizes so-called "opinionisti risultatisti"—media personalities who initially praise innovative coaching styles only to quickly retreat when results waver.

The Fascination and Betrayal of Aesthetic Value

Coaches like Motta, Gian Piero Gasperini, Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, Claudio Ranieri, and Vincenzo Italiano share a common plight—they are celebrated by the media for their artistic, sometimes unorthodox, approaches to the game. This gameplay, reminiscent of the styles championed by Pep Guardiola or Marcelo Bielsa, values the beauty of play as much as, if not more than, the scoreboard. However, as Zazzaroni notes, this admiration can prove fickle. Journalists, former players, and media talents often vociferously support a coach only until that coach’s team faces setbacks.

Their rapid about-face, Zazzaroni argues, comes sharply into focus when a team fails—those who celebrate the "poetry" of a beautiful game quickly recalibrate, pointing to the scoreboard as the ultimate arbiter of success. These opinionisti risultatisti, as he terms them, shift their allegiance in times of loss, sidelining the nuanced realities of football—a game where success is not solely defined by immediate results, but often by challenges, experimentation, and the pursuit of innovation.

Under the Diktat of Commercial Interests

Today’s football narrative, Zazzaroni asserts, suffers under "la dittatura dell’Auditel"—a reference to systems measuring viewer engagement, reminiscent of Italy’s Audience Audit (Auditel). The impact of such metrics leaves little room for experimentation, discouraging teams from taking creative risks that might not immediately turn profit. This environment pressures coaches to adopt short-term, calculative tactics over the longer, risky journey of crafting a unique, attractive style of play.

The truth, according to Zazzaroni, lies in the acknowledgment that football isn’t purely a numbers game. While results are crucial, they spring from motivation and well-executed strategies, which can often be found in the middle ground between rigid pragmatism and unrestrained artistry. It’s a balance that coaches like Motta and company strive to achieve—prioritizing both the aesthetic and pragmatic elements of the game without bowing to external pressures.

A Call for a Shift in Perspective

What then, does this mean for the future of football? Zazzaroni calls for a rebalancing, urging both coaches and those who shape public opinion to value the beauty of play. This shift requires courage—on the field from the teams and off it from the media and fans—to transcend headline results and celebrate the artistry that draws so many to the sport in the first place.

In an era where quick judgments often override detailed appreciation, Zazzaroni’s reflections push for a broader understanding of success in football. The sport has long been a mirror, reflecting deeper cultural values and the tensions between maintaining tradition and encouraging innovation. The call for acknowledging the "poesia ai poeti"—the poetry to poets—is not merely one of aesthetic preference but a cultural plea for depth, empathy, and foresight in evaluating the beautiful game.

In summary, the plight faced by football coaches, highlighted by Thiago Motta and others, is emblematic of broader societal trends that privilege immediate results over sustained, quality growth. As fans and media, we’re challenged to forge a new path: one where the judgment of a coach’s success takes into account not only the scoreboard but the legacy and beauty they leave on the pitch. This nuanced appreciation will not only enhance the game’s richness but also honor those who dare to dream and execute beyond the ordinary.