In an interview with Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it, which took place via Instagram, former Inter attacker Francesco Moriero spoke on a series of Inter related topics.
He began the interview by discussing Inter’s season so far which is the first under the management of former Italian national team manager Antonio Conte.
“Inter were having an excellent championship, then there was a moment of decline but Inter are trying to build something important but it takes time and in Italy it is not easy to win,” he remarked.
“Conte is one of the smartest managers who is building a certain type of mentality, we could have fought for the Scudetto but Inter are lacking a little.”
Next he spoke on whether he thinks former Inter teammate Diego Simeone, currently in charge of Atletico Madrid, could one day take the reigns of Inter.
“I think it’s his dream, he has remained tied to these colours. I think that he and Conte are very similar, they are perfectionists and very serious, like they were as players.”
Moriero, who spent three years with Inter between 1997 and 2000, then reflected on his first season with the club which ended with the club winning the UEFA Cup but a season that was nevertheless filled with controversy, especially in a match against Juventus.
“It was difficult to accept the result of that match, strange things happaned. Maybe Juventus would have won anyway but there was incredible mistake in the match [when a blatant penalty was not given to Inter for a foul on Ronaldo]. I felt we could have won the title or at least had the chance of fighting for it until the end. I wouldn’t just blame that game though there were others too.
“We as a team had fun, there were great players and great men and the stadium was always full. Winning the UEFA Cup brought immense joy as we beat a very strong Lazio side.
“We were convinced that we would win that match. We had Zamorano, Ronaldo, Zanetti and Bergomi.”
Next he was asked whether Inter can realistically fight to win the title should the 2019/20 season resume.
“Inter have to fight, Lazio are having a fantastic season, they are a team who are enjoying themselves, but Inter have matured a lot, they have to play for the title.”
He was then asked who he would like to see Inter sign in the upcoming Summer transfer window.
“I like Dries Mertens and Allan. I think they would do very well at Inter or at any team.”
He was then asked what he thinks Inter should do if a big offer is tabled for striker Lautaro Martinez.
“I would keep him, Inter is Inter and Inter must keep strong players. He is part of a great club that wants to win in Italy and Europe.”
He concluded the interview by reminiscing about former Inter president and owner Massimo Moratti.
“Moratti made important sacrifices, I remember him fondly, he was like a father to all of us. If he had not sacked Simoni perhaps he would have won more, in time even Moratti, who is an intelligent man, admitted he was wrong to sack him.”
