Former goalkeeper Julio Cesar has sang the praises of new Inter manager Antonio Conte after Inter’s perfect start to the 2019/20 Serie A campaign.

“Inter will remain in contention for the title until the end of the season. I understood this this Summer when I met him on the pre-season tour of Asia and the first games are confirming my impression. He is a winner,” the Brazilian explained in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Inter were beautiful, tough and organised in the derby, Milan less so. Conte is a manager who aims for perfection and the players seem to have figured this out. It was not a guaranteed win, it is also thanks to Conte.

“Many had doubts about Conte, perhaps because of his Juventus past. He is a great professional and his history has nothing to do with it. He is a top manager.”

He then spoke on Inter’s defence.

“They are all very strong players individually and I believe they will succeed in making a strong defensive department. In Italy, they work a lot on defence.”

Next, he praised current Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

“Handa is one of the three strongest goalkeepers in the world. He has less media attention because he has not played in the Champions League much. Those who know about him, have no doubts about his quality.”

He then shared his views on Inter’s club record signing Romelu Lukaku.

“He has a beastly physique. It is not easy to change things and get used to it quickly but it seems to me that he is succeeding. He is a positive person.”