Alessandro Nesta to Red Bulls? That sounds intriguing

Before you go to this link, ask yourself, “Do I speak Italian?”

If the answer is “No,” then don’t bother.

But trust me here. It’s says Alessandro Nesta – among the best defenders of his generation and possibly of all time – is interested in signing on with New York. More than that, it says his representatives have meetings next week with Red Bulls officials.

Another old guy who wants to cash a few extra pay checks? Maybe not in this case.

Nesta, an AC Milan fixture since 2002, remains near the top of his game. He was a starter for Italy’s 2006 World Cup winners (although he became injured and didn’t play in the final). He was invited to come out of retirement for Italy in 2010.

A man of such tremendous experience, guiding the back line at Red Bull Arena as early as this summer. Yes … give me some of that.

The X factor of course is whether players like this pack their “give a hoot” when they up and leave the venerable old addresses.

Lothar Matthäus, for instance, famously left his behind when he joined the Red Bulls. A player like Juan Pablo Angel, on the other hand, clearly did not. Angel reported to New York with bags full of skill and want-to, all augmented by those years of know-how.

Frankly, I hope things come together. A 36-year-old trying to keep up in midfield in MLS. Hmmmm. Sounds like a tailspin to the bottom waiting to happen. And more drama, something already laying around Red Bull Arena in abundance, like pallets of water near the concession stands before an August match.

But a 36-year-old who knows positioning like so few others, who has forgotten more about playing defense than most pros learn over a career? That looks like a better match.