Former Inter striker Christian Vieri has shared his thoughts ahead of this weekend’s first Derby D’Italia of the season between Inter and Juventus at San Siro on Sunday night.
“It will be a real show at the Meazza. The world is watching us, it will be a full stadium and a unique atmosphere, one that only San Siro knows how to create,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Juventus are coming up against an Inter side who are quickly catching up to them. Inter’s performance at the Camp Nou, at least for the first hour, shows that the Nerazzurri are on the right path and that Antonio Conte is a huge coach. The important thing however is not to hurry and put pressure on the team who need time to complete this type of journey.
“The Derby D’Italia is a game that makes an important mark, above all on the team’s mental state and for their self-esteem.”
He then shared his delight at the recent growth of Serie A.
“I am happy because we are finally returning to a credible level of football and challenging teams with the highest international appeal with thanks to managers who have also won abroad. Top players are choosing to come to Italy to play in Serie A.
“Cristiano Ronaldo led the way last year and this Summer Matthijs De Ligt, Aaron Ramsey, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Diego Godin all arrived and that is only considering both Inter and Juventus.
He was then asked about whether Inter can think about winning the title.
“We need to be calm and we need to wait 3-4 months to understand how much the gap has really been reduced compared to Juventus and also to Napoli. Certainly, Inter is giving very important signals of continuity, solidity, organisation, technique and courage.”
He then spoke on Antonio Conte.
“I know Conte well. I know how he works and what he wants from his teams every day of the week and not just in the game. Antonio’s tries to take care of every aspect, its impressive. He is a great manager.
“Juventus are still a step ahead of Inter, let’s be clear about that but this year they will have to work even harder to bring home the title. Inter and Napoli will make life very hard for the Bianconeri as they are teams equipped to exploit the slightest of mistakes Juventus make.
He was then asked which players he was looking forward to seeing in the derby.
“Matteo Politano, Stefano Sensi, Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez from the Nerazzurri. Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Aaron Ramsey from the Bianconeri. I am particularly intrigued by Ramsey.”
He then shared his thoughts on Lukaku.
“Perhaps he will score a little less than Higuain, but we are talking about a man who plays with and for his teammates, one who knows how to make the team go up, that makes you breathe in the most complicated moments. All coaches want that.”
He also spoke on Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Sanchez.
“A lot of negative things have been said about him but anyone who turns him down understands nothing about football. He is not afraid of anyone, he creates opportunities from nothing, he is always alive. He is barely 22 years old and the goal against Barcelona will help him further.”
“As for Sanchez, he will be a fundamental player this season. He has strength, technique and scores goals. He can be devastating.”
He concluded by discussing Inter and Juventus’ defences.
“I really like Inter’s three man defence. They are physical and brave. Godin has brought experience, charisma and spirit.
“Juventus made an important move by signing Matthijs de Ligt for €75 million. The future of Juventus’ defence is already present and he was a player that all the big European teams wanted.”
