It was Roberto Baggio who gave Di Livio the nickname 'Soldatino' for his particular gait, his tactical diligence and his maniacal pursuit of the same dribble, always completed after a feint. The goal? To produce the perfect cross into the box.
"At the end of training, I would stay 20 minutes to try them out. Today, however, nobody does them anymore," Di Livio admitted with a hint of melancholy in this exclusive interview with Flashscore.
How do you feel about Juventus' less-than-brilliant form?
"It's a pity because there were assumptions, at the beginning, to see something different, something special. We also gave Thiago Motta some time and, although there have been many injuries or problems fitting in as in the case of Douglas Luiz, we can no longer wait for this team.
"I still hope for a turnaround in the season. There is still time to recover, but we must turn around. Everyone."
Motta continues to ask for time. How long is it right to give him?
"I think the time is up. We are now at the halfway mark and time has been given to him. So many points have been lost and always in the same way.
"We have to be more careful because there are teams that are having very good seasons, like Lazio for example, and we mustn't underestimate Fiorentina either. And Milan are also coming back. And, therefore, you have to give it your all.
"At Juve, they can also give you time, but then you have to start bringing results."
Do you like Motta's footballing ideas?
"I like Thiago a lot, but they mustn't joke too much with this season because they're fighting for fourth place and they're doing it with great difficulty.
"I don't think they could think of winning the Scudetto but at least of making a bit more of a nuisance of themselves..."
What are the minimum goals to be achieved to consider this season satisfactory?
"I don't think Juve are competitive enough this year to win the Scudetto or the Champions League, but you can ask them to have a good season, to be protagonists.
"That's the only way to improve psychologically and make the players grow. And, then, next year, with a few changes you can be fully competitive. I think that was the initial project."
Do you think we were too harsh on former coach Massimiliano Allegri?
"I've never had the problem of comparing Allegri with Motta. Allegri is a seasoned coach who brought great results and won a lot. Thiago Motta, on the other hand, is at the beginning of his career and has just arrived at a big club."
To build a great team you also need a good atmosphere in the dressing room. And, instead, Dusan Vlahovic does not want to renew his contract and captain Danilo is practically out of the squad...
"What is happening to Danilo I feel very sorry because he is a leader, an important figure. In my opinion, Juve's treatment was not exemplary even if, then, we don't know the details.
"Vlahovic, on the other hand, should be a little more grateful to Juve who gave him a lot and pays him a big salary. And, therefore, he should contribute more and respect the club that values him."
You were part of Juventus' last European success under Marcello Lippi. What do you think of the level of the current squad?
"The transfers, in my opinion, have been done well. As far as I am concerned, I was very satisfied because (Teun) Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz are strong players. Then, however, there were losses like those of Bremer and (Juan) Cabal. That of Bremer, in particular, is an incredible loss.
"I think the market has been handled well. What is lacking is the performance of the players. Koop and Douglas Luiz are not offering what was expected of them and if you think about how much we paid them...
"But it's not (sporting director Cristiano) Giuntoli's fault, it's the fault of the players who have to understand that they are at a big club and must not settle for the slightest effort. They must try to give everything considering what they were paid. If you want to be considered a great player you also have to prove it."
What does this Juve team lack?
"My Juve was not the strongest in history, but every match for us was a final. We played to the death every match. We were not always beautiful, but we were very concrete. And that is perhaps what this team lacks: a little more concreteness.
"Also in bringing home narrow victories: 1-0, 2-1... Defending better, playing with more intelligence and knowing how to read the game. This is what we had and what this team lacks."
And also some champion players, perhaps. Who was the strongest one you played with?
"There have been many. (Gianluca) Vialli was the most important and (Zinedine) Zidane was one of the strongest. And then (Roberto) Baggio, a diamond. Despite his knee problems, it was really beautiful to see him play."
Francisco Conceicao has emerged as a key player, hasn't he?
"Yes, a great acquisition. Today the outfielders have changed, because they play with the 'inverted' foot and it's a whole different thing compared to us.
"Conceicao was a great transfer by Giuntoli, who should be congratulated: (Piere) Kalulu, Conceicao, (Kephren) Thuram are important players that Juve will be able to count on in the future."
Speaking of Giuntoli, even at a managerial level, these days there are a lot of differences compared to your old Juve side...
"At that time there were very experienced characters. (Luciano) Moggi, (Antonio) Giraudo and (Roberto) Bettega were people who were always with us. However, I have a lot of faith in Giuntoli, I like him a lot. He is doing a great job, despite a thousand difficulties.
"He's always on the ball and I expect him to be able to further strengthen the team, which has shortcomings - it lacks a few defenders and a deputy to Vlahovic. I hope he can sign some important players as soon as possible."
Saturday is the derby, it's always a special match, right?
"The derby is always the derby and I must say that I am a bit worried because there are so many injuries and absences that I hope Juve can solve as soon as possible.
"On Saturday, we'll have to play an intelligent game against a Torino side that have always lost the derby lately, it's true, but this time, in my opinion, they will make life very difficult for Juve."
