In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport former Inter player Nicola Berti explained Inter’s current predicament that they find themselves in.
“The results have been poor and I think the players have lost a bit of confidence, but even in these situations, Inter should not feel fear, I have no doubts about it, Inter will secure third,” he started.
Asked if he thinks recent off-field issues have had an effect on the player’s attitudes, Berti went on to say, “I am not in the dressing room, but from what I have seen on the field lately, the players attitudes have not been negative. You can see that they are trying.
“Take Perisic, for instance, he seemed destined to leave, he even sat out a game but when it didn’t happen and he was told to play against Bologna, he was one of the best players on the pitch because he showed character, he showed belief and he still feels part of this team. Even in the Coppa, against Lazio, did you notice how close he was to those who were taking penalties?”
Berti then went on to discuss the recent poor form of Radja Nainggolan and Mauro Icardi.
“He is still recovering and this can take a lot of time, but from February, I believe he will be a very important player. We have not seen the real Ninja. With him, Perisic and Icardi working in harmony together we can feel safe.
“Look at all the goals Icardi has scored in the last five years. Many attackers go through periods of not scoring and this is his, but I will be cheering for him against Parma.”
Next he spoke on Luciano Spalletti and Inter chief executive Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Marotta’s recent public backing of him.
“Without him we would be lacking a lot more. Spalletti is a serious man. He prepares his teams well, he deserves to be given the rest of the season. We can finish third and maybe do something in the Europa League, a competition in which Inter has a lot of history and success”.
“The statement [from Marotta] came at the right time. The club is well structured. I liked that during the winter transfer market that we did not spend anything because we did not have to.
He concluded by speaking on Lautaro Martinez.
“He’s gaining experience. He’s young, he has had a few chances but he is in the right place and this is a positive thing. Maybe he needs to play a bit more with Icardi, so they can improve together.”