When Oliver Bierhoff moved to Italy, Serie A represented the pinnacle of European club football. The current manager of the German national team played in Italy for ten years from 1991 onwards, first at second-division Ascoli and later in Serie A for Udinese and AC Milan. This makes Bierhoff the ideal person to assess Mario Gomez’s transfer to Fiorentina, a move he considers positive in three respects.
Firstly, "Mario is an important transfer for Fiorentina", said Bierhoff in an interview with Focus Online. The team is certainly getting a top-quality international striker who has spent many years demonstrating his excellent eye for goal whilst playing for VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern München and Germany.
Secondly, Gomez’s transfer is significant for the German national side, as according to Bierhoff, "he’s a key player and obvious first-team regular there. That could be advantageous for us in a World Cup season". And thirdly, the transfer is also an important step for the striker for the same reason. Bierhoff is convinced that Gomez will develop in Italy, both as a player and as a person.
"Serie A is more evenly balanced than the Bundesliga"
Although Serie A is no longer what it was in its heyday, Bierhoff can think of three reasons why a move to Italy is by no means a backward step. Firstly, the league is on the up again. "Serie A is more evenly balanced than the Bundesliga, but just not quite as strong at the very top", asserts Bierhoff. "Nevertheless, the standard in Italy is high."
The Germany manager is certain that Gomez will benefit from this: "I hope he learns a lot from the Italian school in terms of the tactics and playing elements they use." Finally, Bierhoff believes that it is important for a player such as Gomez to avoid spending too much time on the bench. "It’s important that Mario is out on the pitch regularly and can keep his rhythm going."
Ultimately, Bierhoff hopes that the 28-year-old can take the next big step in his career whilst in Florence. "Many great players first became global stars while playing abroad", he observed. "Take Matthäus, Zidane or Ronaldo. All of them had their career breakthroughs while playing in foreign countries."