Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport interviewed Javier Zanetti during the Festival of Sport in Trento that was dedicated to the Nerazzurri heroes that won the treble in 2010.

You have seen both Inter’s, the one in the past and the one now. Do you see any similarities?

“These are two very different situations, back then we were at the peak of a cycle, and today we are back in the Champions League. We have the means to do well again.”

Milan and Barcelona are coming up soon. Can there be another turning point of the season?

“These are very important challenges. The derby in Milan is ‘the match.’ The two teams are both experiencing good results, but it is a shame that some players will return late due to their duties with their national teams, so they will have less time to prepare for the derby.”

Will we ever see Lautaro play up front with Icardi?

“He’s young, but he’s hoping for a great future. Spalletti is doing a great job and it is up to him to decide, but when they do finally play together, I’m convinced that these great players can coexist.”

How do you like your new role at Inter since retiring from the pitch?

“I’m learning about new aspects of football work, I’m often around the world trying to get more exposure to the ‘Inter’ brand.”

Soon we could have a new president, is Steven Zhang ready?

“My relationship with Steven is great, he’s a young and intelligent guy, he’s been working for the club for a long time and is a good reference point.”