The Art of the Long Shot: Juan Sebastian Veron Praises Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s Roma Strike

In the modern era of tactical rigidity and cautious buildup, the sight of a midfielder unleashing a thunderbolt from distance has become a rare luxury. Still, Inter Milan’s recent victory over Roma provided a vivid reminder of the spectacle that a perfectly struck long-range effort can produce. The catalyst was Hakan Çalhanoğlu, whose “Turkish pearl” of a goal not only secured points but earned the highest form of praise from one of the game’s greatest exponents of the long-range strike: Juan Sebastian Veron.

Speaking on April 9, 2026, the former Inter and Lazio star, affectionately known as “La Bruja,” analyzed the strike, emphasizing that such a goal requires a blend of technical mastery and psychological fortitude. For Veron, Çalhanoğlu’s effort wasn’t just a moment of individual brilliance, but a throwback to a style of play that is rapidly disappearing from the professional game.

A Lost Art: The 25-Meter Threat

Veron’s analysis began with a reflection on the evolution of the midfield role. He noted that during his own playing days, attempting a shot from 25 meters was a standard part of the repertoire for any mezzala (box-to-box midfielder) or mediano (defensive midfielder). In the current tactical climate, however, Veron observes a shift toward caution.

“Calhanoglu has done today what was quite frequent in my time,” Veron explained. He lamented the modern tendency for players to prefer carrying the ball deep into the opposition area rather than taking the risk of shooting from distance. For Veron, who thrived on “hitting them from outside,” the bravery to pull the trigger is as important as the ability to do so.

This shift in philosophy, according to Veron, stems from two primary factors: a lack of technical training and a fear of failure. He argued that today’s players often lack the “courage to make mistakes” and the resilience to withstand the inevitable criticism from fans and media that follows a missed long-range effort.

Technical Breakdown: Power, Precision, and Coordination

While many fans may see a long-range goal as a lucky strike, Veron viewed Çalhanoğlu’s goal against Roma as a masterclass in execution. He highlighted several key elements that separated this goal from what he describes as “random shots” that occasionally identify the net by chance.

First, Veron pointed to the importance of coordination. He noted that players often lose their balance or timing when attempting to impart high velocity on the ball, but Çalhanoğlu maintained his form throughout the strike. He also credited the Turkish midfielder’s ability to identify a window of opportunity, noting that since no opponent was immediately contesting the space, Çalhanoğlu had the necessary time to set his sights, and execute.

Most importantly, Veron praised the intentionality of the strike. Rather than simply hitting the ball hard toward the goal, Çalhanoğlu specifically targeted a precise zone of the net, leaving Roma goalkeeper Svilar with little chance to react effectively.

For those looking to replicate the feat, Veron outlined a specific technical blueprint for the long-range shot, which he breaks down into three essential “exercises”:

• The Strike: The ball must be hit with the laces (collo) or the outside of the laces (collo esterno). Veron explicitly warned against using the inside of the foot, as It’s impossible to generate the required power for a 25-meter strike.
• The Trajectory: The player must make a definitive decision on whether the ball should travel along the ground or through the air.
• The Aim: The shot should never be “blind.” The player must observe the goalkeeper’s positioning to determine the optimal target before striking.

As an Editor-in-Chief with over 15 years in the field, I’ve seen countless tactical shifts, but Veron’s insight highlights a poignant truth: while data and structured buildup dominate the modern game, the “X-factor” of a long-range specialist remains one of the most potent weapons in football.

The Broader Impact for Inter Milan

Beyond the technical admiration, the goal serves as a momentum booster for an Inter side continuing to assert its dominance in Serie A. The precision and power displayed by Çalhanoğlu reflect a confidence that permeates the squad as they push toward the league title. The ability to score from distance forces opposing defenses to step out of their low blocks, creating more space for Inter’s other attackers to exploit.

Veron’s endorsement serves as a bridge between generations of Inter legends, validating Çalhanoğlu’s role as the modern successor to the midfield maestros who once defined the club’s identity. By combining the courage to shoot with the technique to finish, Çalhanoğlu is reviving a tradition that “La Bruja” remembers fondly.

For more detailed analysis on the match and the interview, readers can refer to reports from Gazzetta.it and CalcioNews24.

Inter Milan will now look to build on this victory as they continue their campaign in Serie A. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Çalhanoğlu continues to utilize this long-range threat to dismantle opposition defenses in the coming fixtures.

What do you think of the modern trend toward cautious buildup? Is the long-range shot a dying art, or is it simply evolving? Let us know in the comments below.