From Empoli to Inter, today Luciano Spalletti turns 59 years old and Gazzetta dello Sport has praised the work of the Tuscan tactician, particularly for his style of play.

“His philosophy now belongs to Inter, no longer the rival he was once fearful of while at Roma. Now, Luciano and the Nerazzurri need to find a balanced formula, between gradual growth and the need for success, which means qualifying for the Champions League.”

The author Jonathan Wilson, cited him in his book “Inverting The Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics”, referencing him as a rare example, of someone motivated and deserved. Spalletti’s aims remain the same: from today he enters the 60th year of his life, with the hunt of a big trophy beginning.

On Spalletti’s birthday weekend, Inter will face Napoli at the San Siro and although it appears to be a very challenging fixture, with Mauro Icardi returning to the field, a win should be a lot more attainable.