Juventus legend Ciro Ferrara discussed the recent situation involving Inter coach Antonio Conte and the Nerazzurri’s interest in signing Barcelona star Lionel Messi in an interview in yesterday’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

First, he spoke about the recent rift between Conte and the Nerazzurri’s board, and how it was resolved peacefully.

“Yes, I was surprised, but in a positive sense. I know Antonio very well and I know that it is difficult to take a step backwards if he starts off with a few questions of principle. Instead he had the courage to think about it and make the right choice. His year has been a positive one. Now he has to confirm himself in order to fight against Juve for the Scudetto.”

He touched on whether it’s realistic to imagine 33-year-old Argentine star Messi joining the Nerazzurri. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner seems destined to leave Barcelona this summer and the Milanese club are one of three teams seriously interested in him, with the others being Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Nerazzurri concluded the deal. Two years ago, I did not expect Ronaldo to arrive at Juventus, but now the fiscal conditions have been created for such complex operations. But one would have to wonder why these great champions arrive in Italy only at an older age. And other younger champions prefer different leagues from ours.”

Finally, Ferrara touched on how the signing of Messi may change next season’s title race.

“True. But I remind you that in the last 10 years the league have hoped that after the departure of Conte, Juve would lose the Scudetto. Then they continued to win with Allegri and then they ‘dreamed’ of after Max’s departure. Now the same happens after Sarri won. But the problem is who is chasing the league title more than Pirlo.”

Inter’s owners the Suning group are serious about their dream to sign Messi and have been working hard in China to commercially expand, attracting new sponsors in order to fund a possible deal for the 33-year-old Argentine star.