Argentina’s World Cup Winning Coach Praises Inter Milan
Lionel Scaloni, the coach who led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup triumph, has showered high praise on Inter Milan, expressing his belief that the Nerazzurri "play from memory" and have the potential to win the UEFA Champions League. In an interview with Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Scaloni offered insightful commentary on Inter’s current form and their chances in both domestic and European competitions.
Inter Milan’s Journey to European Dominance
Inter Milan has emerged as one of Europe’s most formidable teams in recent years. The club secured the Serie A title in the 2020-21 season under the guidance of Antonio Conte, marking a significant return to the summit of Italian football. However, it was under the leadership of Simone Inzaghi, who took over the managerial reins, that Inter truly solidified their status as a force in Europe. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as Inter had not consistently excelled in European competitions under Conte.
The Title Race: A Battle Between Inter and Napoli
The current Serie A title race is tightly contested, with Inter Milan and Napoli, now managed by the former Inter boss Antonio Conte, neck and neck. Scaloni predicts that the battle for the title will remain "open until the end," highlighting the importance of Inter’s performance in the Champions League. "A lot will depend on how Inter do in the Champions League," Scaloni noted. "Inzaghi’s team are capable of going all the way in Europe." He also pointed out that the rigors of playing on multiple fronts could be a significant factor. "In that sense, Napoli, who have had a great season so far under Conte, can have a bit of an advantage," he said.
Inter Milan’s Tactical Mastery
Scaloni praised Inter Milan’s tactical acumen, describing the team as "undoubtedly the team who know each other best" in Serie A. "They play from memory," he said, emphasizing the seamless coordination and understanding among the players. "They know the positional changes and movements perfectly." Scaloni further elaborated on the team’s fluidity and natural execution of tactics, which make it difficult for opponents to disrupt their play.
Simone Inzaghi’s Tactical Flexibility
One of the key aspects of Inter’s success under Inzaghi is their tactical flexibility. Scaloni observed that while Inzaghi is known for his 3-5-2 formation, the team’s actual gameplay is much more dynamic and difficult to predict. "Everyone says Inzaghi plays with a 3-5-2 shape, but sometimes I try and understand how they play when they have the ball, and it’s not easy to decipher," Scaloni said. He highlighted the forward runs of Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Darmian, as well as Nicolò Barella’s drifts infield, as examples of the team’s versatile and cohesive style.
The Path Forward for Inter Milan
As Inter Milan continues to compete on multiple fronts, the team’s ability to maintain their high level of play will be crucial. Scaloni’s comments underscore the respect and admiration he has for the Nerazzurri’s talent and tactical sophistication. "The forward runs of Bastoni and Darmian, Dimarco drifting infield—they do it all so clearly that it’s hard to stop," he said. The upcoming matches will be decisive, and Inter’s success will hinge on their ability to balance the demands of domestic and European competitions. If they can sustain their current form, Scaloni believes they have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League.
