Italian journalist and transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio discussed Inter coach Antonio Conte’s relationship with Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen and Belgian Radja Nainggolan in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia late yesterday evening.
“The technical value of Eriksen is not in question. But on the level of intensity, temperament in dragging his team-mates, the coach expected more.
“At the moment Borja gives him more guarantees than he expects. At this time for the coach, it’s the Spaniard who is the best to use.”
Di Marzio then suggested that former Roma midfielder Nainggolan could be reintegrated into the squad this summer.
“Nainggolan could be part of Inter’s next plans. Conte had also thought of sending him out on loan. But the idea he had from the outside is not the same as the one he has now that he’s been to Appiano Gentile. A player like Radja, who will return to the base, could then be part of the Inter squad.”
Eriksen, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2024, has struggled to adapt to Conte’s tactical system since his arrival in the January transfer window, when the Milanese club paid Tottenham €20 million to secure his signature, despite the fact that his contract would have expired at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Dane failed to impress in his first few months in Italy, but the Coronavirus stop gave the former Spurs man time to learn Conte’s system and settle more in the Italian peninsula. Despite this, his performances since the season restart have been inconsistent, both impressing and disappearing.
