Former Inter player Nicola Berti has admitted that he feels talk of Inter going through a crisis period is excessive following their loss to Bologna this past weekend.
“In three games time it will be Juve-Lazio and until then Inter have four games to play, starting with tonight’s match at Verona,” he started an interview with Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition.
“After this match we will have a more precise idea of the season and the title race. Inter must string together consecutive victories whilst Juventus face a very delicate match against Atalanta next.”
He was then asked if he thinks Inter have thrown away too many games as of late.
“Calm down, I don’t agree. In reality I think the only game that was thrown away was the last one against Bologna. Inter were ahead, were in total control and had they scored the penalty the game would have been killed off.
He was then asked about the idea of Inter being in crisis.
“I honestly find this excessive. Conte did well to groom everyone and to stimulate them to react and the owners have shown that they want to invest to get back to winning trophies.
“Bringing in Conte was the first step of this mission and the recent purchase of Hakimi, who is a top player, shows which direction they are working in. Trust me, Inter’s project is a winning one and it shows.”
He was then asked what Inter have been missing.
“Without the fans it is another sport and then there is all the injuries too. Barella’s absence was really felt against Bologna whilst Sensi has been injured for most of the season. He had a very strong start and proved he could be an important added value.”
In conclusion he was asked whether he thinks Lautaro Martinez has been impacted by the speculation regarding his future.
“Lautaro is distracted. To be at Inter, he must have nothing else on his mind. He must understand that he is already at a great club and that wearing the Inter shirt is a privilege.”
Former Italian national team player Berti joined Inter in 1988 from fellow Serie A side Fiorentina and spent the next nine and a half years with Inter before leaving for Tottenham Hotspur.
During his time with the club Berti scored 41 goals and provided eight assists in 312 appearances across all competitions.
