This interview was created as part of 'The Big Pete', a multimedia project by Flashscore and CANAL+ Sport set to launch in spring 2026.
You played for Lazio under Zdenek Zeman, who is sometimes underrated outside Italy. How do you remember him?
"My first year at Lazio was under Dino Zoff, and then Zdenek Zeman arrived in my second season. It was a complete contrast. We went from a very traditional coach to someone who was innovative and full of new ideas. His football was exciting and attacking. We played some of the best football Italy had seen at that time, with a 4-3-3, everyone attacking, pressing high.
"Finding the balance between attack and defence was sometimes difficult, but as a player it was hugely enjoyable. Training was very hard - he was famous for that - especially in pre-season. But we finished very high in the table, second and third in those seasons, and played incredible football. Many things I learned from him later influenced me as a coach."
What was the most important element of Zeman’s football philosophy for you?
"He was all about attacking football. He wanted a very high defensive line and aggressive pressing, which in the mid-1990s was unusual. We defended almost on the halfway line.
"The system was 4-3-3, with two wingers, one striker, and the two number eights overlapping. Wingers cut inside, midfielders joined the attack. It was exciting to play and to watch, and we worked on it every single day in training."
Which coaches influenced you the most overall?
"One very important figure was Rolf Fringer in Switzerland. He moved me from midfield to centre-back because he wanted to build play from the goalkeeper. As an attacking player, seeing the whole game from the back really helped my understanding of football.
"Then Arrigo Sacchi with the national team. He was extremely innovative, and his Milan side was world-famous. We tried to emulate that style with Switzerland. I also had Ruud Gullit, whose philosophy was always about playing football, keeping the ball, and deciding the game through possession."
Gullit was a playing manager at the time, right?
"Yes, initially. His idea was very clear: if you keep the ball, you control the game."
How do you see Lazio’s current position in European football?
"Claudio Lotito took the club over when it was close to bankruptcy and restored it to stability. Lazio are financially sustainable, regularly compete in European competitions, and are usually a top-six club in Serie A. They have a great fan base, a beautiful city, and playing at the Olimpico is a wonderful experience. And the Rome derby is one of the best matches in football."
Chelsea was your final club as a player. What was that period like before Roman Abramovich arrived?
"The atmosphere was already euphoric. I arrived in 1996, and soon after came (Gianluca) Vialli, (Gianfranco) Zola, (Frank) Leboeuf, (Marcel) Desailly. We won six trophies: the FA Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, European Super Cup, League Cup. It was a very successful period.
"Abramovich’s arrival in 2003 completely transformed the club. Chelsea became a domestic and international force and a world-famous club."
How do you see the Jose Mourinho era and the players who followed?
"Many signings arrived, but players like Petr Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, and (John) Obi Mikel became the backbone of the club for many years. They made history by winning the league titles and established Chelsea as a powerhouse."
What do you still feel when you return to Stamford Bridge?
"It’s like a second home. I’ve been there as a player, a supporter, and a manager. Chelsea has been such an important part of my professional and personal life. Every visit brings deep emotions."
Do you see yourself more as a Chelsea legend as a player or as a coach?
"I honestly never think about that. I was fortunate to be part of successful, ambitious groups - both as a player and as a coach. Success always comes from the collective."
You’re often called the most successful caretaker manager in football history. Does that label bother you?
"Not at all. It became a funny joke among friends. I was only focused on doing my best for the players, the club, and the supporters."
What was the 2011/12 season like for you personally?
"It was a rollercoaster. We struggled in the league, there were issues, and Andre Villas-Boas - a close friend - left. I was asked to take over until the end of the season. It was challenging but enjoyable, and the ending was something nobody could have predicted. It was like the perfect movie ending."
When you think of that Champions League run, which match stands out?
"The second leg against Napoli at Stamford Bridge. We had to overturn a 3-1 defeat. The atmosphere was electrifying. I can still hear the noise when we went through. That night, everything felt possible."
How difficult was team selection before the final against Bayern Munich?
"In one way, it was easy because several players were suspended, so nobody could complain. In another way, it was challenging. Ryan Bertrand made his debut because he gave us the best balance on the left.
"We had a full week to prepare tactically. Once you prepare the team, the rest is up to the players - and we had outstanding ones. Petr Cech’s preparation and performances were extraordinary."
Where did you celebrate the Champions League win?
"Back at the hotel on a rooftop. Players and families were there. Nobody slept. It was unexpected, which made it even more enjoyable."
Which club or place meant the most to you in life?
"I was very fortunate - from Schaffhausen to Rome to London. But for me, it’s not about where you are, it’s about who you are with. Family and good people matter most."
Many top coaches were former holding midfielders. Is that position ideal for future managers?
"As a holding midfielder, you need to understand both attack and defence. It gives you a complete picture of the game. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but many great coaches came from that role."
Did you always want to become a coach?
"No. I didn’t think about it while playing, and even after retiring, I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t planned."
Why haven’t you coached in England recently?
"After Aston Villa, I took on different roles in football and found a good balance in life. I still receive some offers, but fewer than before. Right now, I’m very happy with what I’m doing."
Is coaching a closed chapter for you?
"No, not at all. I’m just not actively looking at the moment. Who knows what the future holds?"
Chelsea has a strong Italian connection. Why does it work so well?
"Italian coaches are very well-prepared tactically. Chelsea has always blended Italian football culture with an international environment, and that combination seems to work."
Do you stay in touch with current Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca?
"Yes. Many of us live around Cobham. We meet, play golf or padel, and socialise. It’s a strong community built around the club."
How do you rate his work at Chelsea?
"He’s doing very well. I like the way his team is set up and how they play."
Finally, how do you see Italy under Gennaro Gattuso?
"Italian football is in a generational transition. We have talented players, but we need more confidence and more opportunities for young players in Serie A. The environment around the national team is strong, and the future looks bright."
Can Italy qualify for the next World Cup?
"Fingers crossed. We’ll all be cheering for them. I hope they make it this time."