In an interview with Tuttosport, former coach Cesare Prandelli spoke of the upcoming Milan derby. “There is a lot of curiosity in watching how these newly renovated teams will play as they are both still looking for a proper philosophy to play with”. “I’m also curious to see how the two managers will field their teams, who as well as having worked together, know each other very well”.
How long will it take for Mancini to give a full understanding of his ideas to the squad?
“It will take a few weeks, however he has a squad of players who are full of character, which can still bring good results as they have done in the first two league games of the season. This is an Inter that, with Atalanta and Carpi, went looking for a win and this is important”.
Which of the purchases of the Milan clubs excites you more?
“One is definitely Bacca because he is a player who has the ability to find intensity quickly. The other is Jovetic who, technically, I think is one of the best players in the league”.
By the way, did you expect your former student to have such an important impact at Inter?
“Stevan (Jovetic) is a born leader, he was already a captain at Partizan at the age of 17 and he has always been a serious guy, one of those with great qualities. It’s no wonder why he has settled in so well at Inter. However, now he can still grow as he has found a coach like Mancini who makes players even better”.
You have coached Felipe Melo at first in Florence, and then in Istanbul: Has he grown to such an extent that he has become essential to a manager like Mancini?
“Felipe is unique in character and personality, and in addition, he is physically great. He had a difficult time at Juventus because in Turin they thought they were going to see a regista. Mancini knows him better than I do, he knows that he has found a fighter, a leader, a player who gives everything for the shirt. However Melo is not a regista, he can give orders, he has personality, but is certainly not a regista”.
Is Kondogbia already worth all of the money that has been paid?
“I don’t make judgements on the market, but the other players and he, together with Melo, are a really, really interesting couple. The key tactic of the derby is right there in the midfield”.
What is the best way to co-exist Jovetic with Ljajic?
“Adem senses the door and tastes the assist for those who will take it, they must exploit these characteristics in front of goal. I do not want to give advice to Roberto but, looking at the market that Inter have done, you can see that he has studied well as to how to structure and make a competitive squad”.
