Chris Smalling dubbed ‘Smalldini’ as Italian legends Baresi and Bergomi explain why Man Utd defender is shining for Roma
ENGLAND has exported its footballers to Serie A with mixed success.
And on the rare occasion a defender did try his luck in Italy, the outcome was spectacularly bad.
This is why Chris Smalling’s loan move from Manchester United to Roma has generated such interest.
His impressive performances have seen him dubbed ‘Smalldini’ after AC Milan defensive legend Paolo Maldini.
It has ensured Roma will be keen to secure him on a permanent deal in the summer — although the Red Devils are demanding £25million.
Smalling made his 22nd appearance of the season on Saturday and the 30-year-old has arguably been boss Paulo Fonseca’s top performer this season along with 13-goal Edin Dzeko.
His last game for England was in the 2-2 World Cup qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow in June 2017.
Three Lions chief Gareth Southgate has visited Italy once to see Smalling.
And if the national team remain short of defensive cover he has an outside chance of a surprise recall.
Here, SunSport talks to some former Italian stars about their impressions of Smalling.
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FRANCO BARESI
Legendary Italian 81-cap defender, 59, played 719 times for AC Milan between 1977 and 1997, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cup/Champions Leagues.
“At Milan, I was a team-mate of Ray Wilkins and Mark Hateley but I think it is easier when you come to this country and are playing in midfield or attack.
“Smalling’s not my favourite defender in Serie A but I like his determination to try to improve.
“Before he came, I didn’t know too much about Smalling.
"I was not sure an English defender could get used to Italian football as it is so different to the Premier League. Smalling’s attitude and approach has been good.
“But I think we have to wait until the end of the season to make any judgements.”
GIUSEPPE BERGOMI
A World Cup winner with Italy in 1982, Bergomi, 56, made 754 appearances for Inter (1981-1999) and won Serie A once.
“I am not surprised about Smalling. I thought he was good at United.
“When English players leave their country to learn something else, I think it benefits them.
“He is physically very strong and when he faced Inter and Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian did not touch the ball.
“He and Roma team-mate Gianluca Mancini are the best couple of central defenders in Serie A.”
FULVIO COLLOVATI
Now an Italian TV pundit, the 62-year-old played at the back for Milan, Inter Milan, Udinese, Roma and Genoa. He played 50 times for Italy and won the World Cup in 1982.
“For an English player, it is not easy leaving his country but Smalling is proving to be a great defender.
“He marks his opponents well, he can move the ball well, is good in the air and sometimes he scores. What more can you ask from a defender?
"I must admit, I didn’t know much about him until this season but I am impressed. I believe United have made a mistake by allowing him to be here.”
LORENZO AMORUSO
Ex-Bari and Fiorentina, defender, 48, moved to Glasgow Rangers in 1997 and switched to Blackburn in 2003.
“I am so surprised how Smalling has integrated into Italian football but also, in such a fast way.
"I know all about him as a player and I actually thought he would have problems in Serie A — his strong physique has been a help.”
BENITO CARBONE
Former attacking midfielder for Torino, Napoli, Inter, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford, Derby and Middlesbrough.
“Smalling is playing very well and is tactically strong.
"During games, he shows real personality and, in a demanding place like Roma, this is very important. Serie A is lucky to have a player like him.”
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PAULO FONSECA
Current Roma coach, 46, who was a defender in the Portuguese league.
“Is it possible Smalling stays here at Roma? Yes. He is a very strong player and has had an immediate connection with Italian football.
“He is a great player, very important for us and likes to live in Rome.”