Lazio legend Paolo Di Canio has voiced his worry that Serie A is increasingly turning into a place where older football players go to continue their careers.

This concern comes after a summer filled with notable transfers, such as Luka Modric moving from Real Madrid to AC Milan, Edin Dzeko joining Fiorentina, and Kevin De Bruyne signing with Napoli.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Di Canio questioned why Italian clubs often choose veteran players instead of younger talent, pointing out that these stars were not being chased by other top European teams before arriving in Italy.

He added, “I don’t want to criticize, but I have two thoughts. First, I will enjoy watching them play. But it’s sad that no one else in Europe wanted them — not even the third, fourth, or fifth best teams. Italy took them from the top.”

According to Di Canio, players like Modric and De Bruyne will still demonstrate skill and creativity. The slower pace and bigger spaces in Serie A make it easier for older stars to perform well despite their age.

He also referenced players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry, saying, “Italian football, from Ronaldo to Ribéry, often brings players in the later stages of their careers. I mean this in a friendly way: the cemetery of noble elephants.

Young fans might have watched our football and admired it, but these stars are still playing at 40. They come to beautiful cities but compete in a league that, for them, still feels like the 2006 World Cup, with legends like Cannavaro.”