Inter legend Alessandro Altobelli discussed the Nerazzurri’s season, what they were missing this season and what the future holds in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInter1908 earlier today.
First, he gave his thoughts about coach Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.
“Inter are coming from a season where they’ve made great strides. The numbers say that, in addition to second place, we have the best defense and second-best offense.
“It wasn’t the year to win the Scudetto. But I’d like to say that I didn’t like Antonio Conte’s words very much. He’s working and planning well, but as a fan I feel a bit offended if he says that second is first of the losers.
“It’s one thing to finish fourth or fifth, another to finish third and another to finish second. If you come second, it means that the gap to whoever is first, Juventus, has narrowed. Coming fourth, for example, we would have stayed in the wake of what Spalletti did.
“Today we think differently, also because we arrived in the Champions League well in advance, unlike in the past. However, I’d like to be in second place.”
The 64-year-old Italian touched on how disappointed he was that the Nerazzurri didn’t manage to win the league title this season.
“It was a very special season for obvious reasons and we all saw what happened. Lazio, for example, had incredible results before the stop and then they dropped off.
“Of course, if we hadn’t dropped too many points against teams within our reach, we could have made it. But Juventus could say the same thing.”
The former Nerazzurri striker didn’t think that Conte would leave the Milanese club this summer, despite rumours suggesting that he may depart.
“Apart from a three-year contract, I don’t see too many clubs around willing to satisfy him in every way like Inter. The club showed him last summer, he signed the players he wanted and sent away the ones he didn’t want.
“The management supported him very well. Conte is one of the best coaches and he’ll stay. I hope that the team, unlike what he says, will come second. It’s not like winning, but it would still be nice after years of anonymity.”
Altobelli commented on what the Nerazzurri could look to improve to help them win next season’s league title.
“Conte, Marotta and Ausilio certainly don’t need my advice. But, wanting to give my opinion, we have to acknowledge that Inter have the best defense in the league, so we’re fine there.
“They have the second-best offense, Sanchez and Lautaro are fine, Lukaku is a monster. For Esposito, on the other hand, it’s different: he’s shown quality, but he’s had chances and scored just one goal from a penalty. It’s better for him to go play and gain some experience.”
He didn’t think that the Nerazzurri should only focus on signing Alexis Sanchez to strengthen their attack this summer.
“We saw that when Sanchez was able to play continuously, he showed what he could for Inter. I hope he stays, but we also need someone else.”
The 1982 World Cup winner thought that Roma striker Edin Dzeko may be a good fit for the Milanese club.
“Great player, the important thing is that, after years and years of being a starter, he can accept not always starting, provided that Lautaro stays at Inter and reforms his partnership with Lukaku. He’d still have his chances, given the many competitions.”
Altobelli commented on the recent period of poor form suffered by Lautaro Martinez. Some have suggested that the 22-year-old’s head has been turned by the interest from Barcelona.
“Although his performances have dropped, I still see him play like a great champion. It’s true that he’s not doing as well as he did at the start of the season, but he’s young and these situations can also happen, especially when you talk about those figures. You could be distracted. But apart from that, I see a great player.
“Let’s leave him alone, let’s keep him. For me, he and Lukaku can make a team grow even more, even because they get along well. They’re a good match, so I hope the partnership continues.”
He touched on Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku’s first season in Italy with the Nerazzurri. The 27-year-old joined from Manchester United last summer.
“I have to say I knew him, but I didn’t expect him to do so well in his first year in Italy, at least not to this point. It was a very positive surprise.
“He’s an extraordinary player, a great professional. He makes himself available to everyone, a big surprise. Icardi has been a great player for Inter. He made some mistakes, but that’s all in the past. Lukaku is the present and the future.”
Finally, Altobelli commented on the rumours linking Inter with a possible move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
“I said that months ago when they asked me if Lautaro Martinez would go to Barcelona for Messi, Inter have shown they can sign any player.
“I think they’re also trying. Then, if they don’t succeed, it would be because of Leo’s decision, he might prefer to stay with Barcelona. But Inter have the financial capabilities to sign a player like that.”
