In an interview with Rome based newspaper La Repubblica, legendary Inter midfielder Nicola Berti spoke on a range of different Inter related topics and started off by speaking about which of Inter’s current players he sees himself most in.
“I see myself in Nicolo Barella. Compared to me he is shorter and more technical. I was physically disruptive, but we have the same spirit. He is my current favourite player in the Inter squad. We also have the same numbers on the shirt and initials,” he began the interview which appeared in today’s print edition.
Berti then went on to reveal that he tried to convince former national team teammate Antonio Conte to take on the Inter job earlier on.
“A year and a half ago, when Spalletti was already teetering on the Inter bench, Conte and I met at a resort in Puglia. I said to him: come on, I’ll take you to Pinetina!
“He laughed. Even if he doesn’t look like a butterfly, Antonio knows how to enjoy life. Antonio is building a solid and winning team. As a fan, I’m really happy about it. ”
Berti then went on to recall Giovanni Trapattoni’s time in charge and discussed how things have changed since that time.
“Comparing today’s teams to those of twenty years ago makes no sense. Everything has changed, except the spirit. The merit belongs to the two coaches. Trap also had a Milanese past.
“For him, winning the Nerazzurri support over must have been more complicated. In the eighties football was followed in a visceral way. Today the idea that the coach and the player are professionals is more widespread “.
He then went on to reveal that Inter employed someone to keep an eye on him during his time with the club due to his personality.
“I had the reputation of being bizarre and lively, and for this reason Inter stalked me! They paid someone to always stay behind me, then in training they asked me what I was doing in that place the other night. My answer was always the same. If I run on the pitch, what I do in the evening is my business.”
Next he shared what he believes was the best goal he scored for Inter.
“The one in the derby in 1992/92. Ruben Sosa was preparing to kick the free kick and I was marked by two men and I said aloud: ‘Now I will score.’ The ball came in high and I headed it in. It was crazy and I still enjoy it today.”
He concluded the interview by speaking on the possibility of the season resuming and shared when he thinks football should resume.
“Health is a serious matter, and I think it would be wiser to wait for September. In any case, I think they will try. They will try to play many games in no time, behind closed doors, limiting the contacts of the teams and staff with the outside world. From a certain point of view, I understand it. Everyone is missing football.”
