The men of De Rossi's staff: Francesco Checcucci

The 35-year-old Tuscan, born in Bagno a Ripoli, bears a striking resemblance to Giorgio Chiellini – which makes him both the butt and the source of jokes.

Like the former Juventus stalwart, Checcucci was a centre-back himself and played the game at a professional level, “but I never got above Serie B and spent most of my time playing in Serie C,” he explains.

Now he’s doing a different job, without the ball at his feet. His main task is studying opposition forwards and set-pieces – and how to defend against them during matches.

At your age, you could still be playing the game, yet you’ve already worked for a number of clubs.

“Yeah, I hung up my boots when I was 26 after spending my career in the lower leagues. I set myself the target of reaching a high level. When I saw I wasn’t going to make it, I decided to quit. I liked working in football and wanted to stay in the game but I didn’t want to become a mediocre player, so I decided to throw myself back in and learn a new profession.”

How was it going from one thing to the other? 

“It seemed natural really. I’ve always played Football Manager and always had a thing for tactics, for attackers and individual technique. I’ve always loved that. I started with the kids at Chievo. That year I did a match analyst course and immediately got the chance to work with the first team, which was great. I was finishing university and had started this job, which I did during the night. I was hooked.”

You spent four years at Chievo then joined SPAL, where you met De Rossi as head coach.

“Initially I went there to work as a scout and an analyst, but we got on well and stayed in touch afterwards and he said I could go with him if he changed club.”

What was it like for you to work for a Serie A club playing in Europe?

“Working at the highest level of the game is spectacular and funnily enough it’s actually easier. I often analyse opposition forwards and dead-ball situations. Doing that in a world you’re more familiar with makes it easier to find information but also makes it a challenge to discover lesser-known details.”

So what exactly do you do? Could you be a bit more precise?

“You try to clue up defenders on how opponents move, which way they face, how they should place their feet and position their body depending on the type of opponent running at them. I give our defenders information like that to help them during the game. Then of course we study the opposition team as a whole and do that with all of the staff together. The final decision always lies with the coach.”

What’s it like working with such great defenders as a former defender yourself? Two with tremendous international experience, Mario Hermoso and Mats Hummels, joined right at the end of the transfer window.

“You definitely learn from working with such fantastic footballers and that’s really motivating. You learn about some of the finer details, certain concepts you have to keep in mind at all times during the game.”

For example?

“There are two phases in football: with the ball and without the ball. As a player, a defender, I acquired experience playing without the ball and the teams I played for always came under quite a lot of pressure. That’s how it is in Serie C and Serie B. With the ball, you need a different type of focus – getting your first touch right, assessing the space and the tempo. Daniele helped me with all those things and helped me understand them better so that I can give the lads as much detailed information as possible.”

How have these first few months been?

“What can I say? It’s been cool! Lots of things have worked out for me and it was no means a given. This is a great environment to work in, with lots of wonderful people, players who are very open and willing to listen, and amazing fans.”

How much do the facilities in Trigoria help with your work? 

“Loads. The owners’ investment in the sports facilities here are clear to see and they match the ambition of the team and the club. We have everything we need and no problems whatsoever. Everything comes naturally. There’s nothing missing. Nothing at all. There are no excuses. In fact, if anything a training ground like this makes you want to stay longer if you need some physio or need to look at something in more detail.”

A light-hearted question to finish: Has anyone ever told you that you really look like Chiellini?

“Everyone! I hardly ever cut my hair as short as it is now, otherwise I’d never hear the end of it. We played in similar positions on the pitch as well, we’re a similar height, and I’m Tuscan like him…”

Even your voice sounds like his...

“It does. That’s why Mancio [Gianluca Mancini] calls me Giorgione…”