Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero discussed Inter defender Milan Skriniar, who was sold by the Ligurian club to the Nerazzurri three years ago, in an interview with Italian newspaper Libero earlier today.

The Sampdoria owner defended the Slovakian from the criticism that he doesn’t fit well in coach Antonio Conte’s three-man defense.

“For me Skriniar is not open to question! We’re talking about a natural talent. In defense he can play anywhere, in 3, 4, even 2 and he’s still very strong.”

He also suggested that the only people who would know if it was a mistake to sell him this summer or not were Inter’s management.

“Mistake to sell him? You have to ask Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio.”

The 25-year-old Skriniar, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2023, has made 40 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 3380 minutes. In that time, he has provided two assists and helped the squad keep 11 clean sheets.

Despite a strong initial two seasons with Inter, the former Sampdoria man has been criticised throughout this season due to his shakier performances at the back, with some suggesting that he isn’t fit for a three-man defense, the favored system of Conte.