In 2006, a penalty kick propelled Grosso to the pinnacle of his life, making him a hero in the hearts of countless fans. However, who could have anticipated that this man, who once shed sweat and created legends on the world stage, would experience ups and downs again and again after becoming a coach, even being regarded as a "hero in decline"? The contrast between his deification at the World Cup and the vicissitudes of his coaching career begs the question: Why isn't a talented player also a talented coach?
During the 2006 World Cup final, the hearts of countless Italian football fans were tightly grasped by Grosso. In the match against France, he scored the decisive penalty kick, directly sending Italy to the top of the world. At that moment, Grosso became the "national hero" of Italian football, with nationwide celebrations, and his figure was forever etched into the annals of football history.
The significance of this match went beyond victory or defeat; it was an emotional redemption for Italian football. Prior to 2006, Italian football had fallen into a slump and was even considered to have "no more geniuses." But on that day, Grosso stood up and sealed his godly status with one kick. It can be said that it was precisely this penalty kick that made countless people believe that Italian football was still the "fighting nation on the green field."
However, the peak of a player does not extend to their coaching career. There is an old saying in the football world: "Playing well doesn't necessarily mean coaching well." Grosso's coaching journey serves as the best example of this.
In 2017, after retiring, Grosso embarked on his coaching career. His first stop was at Bari in Serie B. As a rookie coach, his performance was not spectacular but certainly eye-catching. That year, he led Bari to seventh place in the league and successfully advanced to the playoffs. Although they ultimately failed to get promoted, his coaching abilities began to shine.
On the fiercely competitive stage of Serie B, Grosso demonstrated keen tactical thinking and control over the game situation. He favored attacking football, emphasizing ball possession and speed. Despite his lack of experience, his tenure at Bari laid the foundation for his coaching career.
However, at that time, Grosso was still too young, and although his tactical concepts were bold, they were not yet mature. As the saying goes, "A calf is not afraid of tigers," and his time at Bari allowed him to accumulate valuable experience and set the stage for his future success.
After coaching Bari and Verona, Grosso entered his "golden phase." In 2021, he took over the Serie B team Frosinone. In this team that was not highly regarded, he led them through challenges and not only achieved promotion but also finished as league champions. This was his first championship as a coach and a highlight moment in the Serie B arena.
Within two years, his team scored over 70 goals, with an average number of goals per game ranking high. In a league like Serie B, where competition is fierce and resources are limited, such achievements are impressive. His attacking football style was widely recognized in Serie B, with some media even calling him the "Guardiola of Serie B."
It is worth mentioning that his excavation and use of core players are particularly distinctive. Grosso likes to formulate tactics around one or two key players, fully utilizing their strengths. His tactics are not complicated but very practical, especially suitable for leagues like Serie B.
Just when everyone thought Grosso would achieve new breakthroughs in Serie A, fate dealt him a heavy blow. During his brief stints coaching Brescia and Lyon, his results were so poor that they elicited sighs. Especially at Lyon, Grosso's record was only 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses, turning him into a laughingstock in the media.
Even worse, during his time at Lyon, he experienced a shocking violent incident that shook the European football world. On the way to a match against Marseille, the bus he was riding in was attacked by fans. Glass shattered and splintered, leaving his eyebrow bone bleeding profusely. This incident not only cast a shadow over his coaching path but also made him realize the complexity and cruelty of the top five leagues.
Many believe that Grosso's failure in the top five leagues was not entirely his fault. Language barriers, cultural differences, and insufficient support from club management all made his coaching feel like "dancing in chains." However, reality is cruel, and no matter the reasons, results are what truly matter. Grosso's French journey ended in a painful way.
Failure did not crush Grosso. In 2023, Sassuolo of Serie B invited him to coach. Perhaps due to his familiarity and confidence in Serie B, he quickly regained his form with this team. In the 20 games after taking over, he led the team to an excellent record of 46 points, directly securing the top spot in the league.
More astonishingly, Sassuolo's offensive firepower once again became a highlight in the league. Scoring 43 goals in 20 rounds, such statistics are considered "explosive" in Serie B. Grosso's tactical ideas were fully realized, and it also allowed people to see his capabilities as a coach anew.
With several months left until the end of the season, Sassuolo has already basically secured their promotion spot. For Grosso, this is his best opportunity to prove himself once again.
Grosso's story is filled with twists and turns. He is a hero of the World Cup and also a "disappointed man" in the top five leagues. However, in Serie B, he has repeatedly proven his strength and tenacity. He excels in offense, enjoys taking risks, and his tactics are passionate, yet they also come with failures and controversies.
In the future, will Grosso challenge the top five leagues again? No one knows the answer. But one thing is certain—this legendary figure, from player to coach, is still writing his own story.
Life is like a football match; sometimes you score against the opponent's goal, and other times you have to start over. And Grosso is clearly a warrior who will never give up.