DIMARO - He's stopped all kinds of shots, he talks about all kinds of things. Age:

"I still have a dream, and perhaps it's not so unrealistic: I would like to play until I'm forty years old. I think I could do it."

Gianluca Pagliuca, born in 1966, at his sixteenth pre-season retreat in Serie A. He starts with himself in his voyage through today's soccer. It was he, in part, that became the paradigm and the first example of a new world in soccer that will have to reduce costs and pretenses, fix the prices, and, most of all, calm down.

"I think last year was my best championship with Bologna. The club gave me a two-year contract. I had no problem with the salary cut, because I still have the same desire to play as before and also because that's how soccer should be. I have started on this new path, and Paramatti has followed me as well [returning to Bologna]. If the salaries kept growing, everything would explode. I think the people involved have understood that resizing is a necessary thing. For example, several years ago Inter would have bought Nesta right away, but not today - something is changing. I think that Nesta's transfer will be the end of an era that we won't see again."

Straight to the point and passionate: he speaks like a young kid, but with the knowledge of an adult.

"It's always important to have a durable core in a team. Take last year's Juventus - they won the last scudetto because they could count on Ferrara and Conte. Then look at Milan and at the choices they have made with Costacurta, Rossi and Albertini [sending them away]. I think they're taking a risk, especially considering that Demetrio [Albertini] is only thirty years old. Maybe it was the right choice, but it could turn out to be a dangerous step."

A brief touch on the national team:

"Toldo? I think Trap was right, choosing Toldo would mean being rude to Buffon"

and on to the new arrival named Cristiana Cini [female line ref]:

"If she's good, and if others will be good, let the female line refs come."

And then to the topic of Bologna, which leaves tomorrow for the second part of the retreat at Sestola.

"I think this team is right for the Intertoto Cup, and then I'm convinced that the management will come in with help when necessary."

Is Bologna risking something by letting go of Meghni, a true talent?

"Mourad has some good qualities, but it's one thing to see him in friendly games, and another thing in real matches. He's good, there's no doubt about that. Signori? I think, if he stays injury-free, he can surpass the quota of fifteen goals [for the season] that he has set for himself as the measure for decisions about his future. Locatelli could vie for a place with Totti on the national team if he performs like he did two years ago. As for me, I will want a season without serious mistakes, like this last one."

It will depend on who's in front of him in defense:

"They're always looking for great foreign players, but I think Bologna has one of the strongest defenders of the Italian championship. If I had to give a name to some great team, I would say: Marcello Castellini."

Gianluca usually does not make mistakes.

"The last time Bologna management asked for my opinion about a player, it was about Fresi. Perhaps the eight goals he scored last season [as a defender] were enough?"

Saves and opinions: here's Gianluca Pagliuca for you.