I really doubt people like Veron and Rui Costa would be able to survive with the demands of todays game. Even Totti who was not an injury prone player seems to be getting injured on a regular.
Players like Adebayor who aren't the best technically make up for it in past, power and athleticism. That overpowers technique any day of the week. He still has the necesary technique to make it anyway.
I also think there was more of a gulf between the crap and elite back then whereas the gap has closed immensely. Obviously money plays its part....