Former Lazio coach Sven Goran Eriksson feels that Inter Milan’s Simoner Inzaghi and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone are different, but both brilliant coaches.

The legendary Swedish coach spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.

Inzaghi and Simeone will come face-to-face in the round of sixteen of the Champions league.

The pair of coaches saw their sides draw one another in yesterday’s draw for the first knockout round of the competition.

Inter coach Inzaghi has built up the Nerazzurri into a formidable force in Europe. Last season, they reached the final of the competition.

Meanwhile, Atletico have had more than their share of success in Europe under Simeone.

The Colchoneros have won the Europa League twice – and reached the final of the Champions League on two occasions.

Inter reached the round of sixteen this time around by finishing second in their group. They were level on points with Real Sociedad, but Atletico’s La Liga rivals had a superior goal difference.

Meanwhile, Atletico topped a group containing Inter’s fellow Serie A team Lazio.

Eriksson: Inzaghi & Simeone Different But Both Great Coaches

Eriksson anticipated that the round of sixteen tie between Inter and Atletico will be “A particularly balanced tie because the teams are equal in strength and have both already come close to winning the Champions League.”

“And then, they both have great coaches,” he continued.

“They have different styles, but they’re both very successful and innovative,” he said of Inzaghi and Simeone.

Both of Inzaghi and Simeone had played for Eriksson at Lazio.

The Swede gave his thoughts on the pair from their Biancocelesti days.

“You couldn’t have any doubts about Diego,” he argued. “He was a ready-made coach.”

“Simone, on the other hand, I remember being a determined and decisive young man,” Eriksson said.

“But also sensitive and curious.”

The former coach said of the current Inter manager that “He studied everything.”

“He knew who’d be marking him very well. He knew the characteristics of each individual player.”

And Eriksson also opined about this season’s Inter team.

“They have a very precise identity, and it reflects the ideas of their coach,” he said of the Nerazzurri.

“I hope that they can win the title that they’re chasing, and which they deserve.”