Former Lazio and Juventus forward Paolo Di Canio analysed Inter’s performance against Juventus in the Derby d’Italia last night, focusing mainly on Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen immediately after the match.
Di Canio spoke on the TV show ‘Sky Sport Club’, hosted by Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia.
“Inter in the first half were the team that attacked best in the opponent’s area, but they didn’t have the right quality. They could always play quietly. Juventus let the Nerazzurri play. I was surprised at the non-reaction.”
The 51-year-old Italian then spoke about the player of 26-year-old Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who failed to make an impact against the Old Lady yesterday in the 2-0 defeat.
“I’m not surprised unlike you. He’ll keep scoring a lot, maybe against the small teams, where his physicality will be more noticeable. But in these games, it’s no surprise. He didn’t impress me.”
He also touched on the performance of Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, who was brought on as a substitute for Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella in the second half.
“He played many years in a free game, where he could express himself, even losing balls but then resolving with plays. He has a character that can now be a problem for Inter.”
Finally, Di Canio touched on the problems that Eriksen could provide Inter.
“Like Hazard, he’s a quiet one. He doesn’t make special gestures. In some cases, it’s worse, because it’s difficult to have a confrontation with him. He closes in on himself. In the cup he was decisive, even against Ludogorets. Conte is good at transmitting his mentality at once. His disappointment comes from the fact that before this match he really thought he could do it, also because Juventus have problems, and will continue to have them.”
Inter are now third in the league table after playing 25 games, sitting nine points behind rivals and league leaders Juventus, who have played one more game. Inter still need a date to play their postponed game against Sampdoria. The Nerazzurri, even if they won the game against the Ligurian side, would still be considered out of the title race, as they would be six points behind the Old Lady.
