Roberto Mancini’s ex-assistant coach at Inter and Lazio Fernando Orsi discussed Inter’s league clash against the Biancocelesti, the squad under Antonio Conte and their work in the transfer market in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInter1908.it earlier today.
First, he commented on the Nerazzurri’s start to the season.
“I saw Benevento-Inter and saw a tough and cohesive team. Inter are full of talent and physical strength, they have a lot of options when ahead.
“They’ve conceded a few too many goals, but tomorrow I think they will play with Skriniar, De Vrij and Bastoni, then with three pure defenders they will be more solid.”
He touched on Lazio’s slightly slower start. The Biancocelesti beat Cagliari 2-0 but lost to Atalanta 4-1 in the mid-week clash.
“I liked Lazio against Cagliari, while against Atalanta they showed they were late. The 4-1 maybe is a bit dishonest, but Atalanta were better. If Inter want to make a mark in this season, tomorrow they must win at all costs.”
The Italian spoke about Inter coach Antonio Conte and if his repaired relationship with the board will remain intact.
“The results agree with everyone, even worst enemies. And this is obviously not the case. I think Marotta knew very well what kind of coach and person Antonio Conte is.
“When he loses, he tries to take his eyes off the team and bring him to outside factors, sometimes right and sometimes wrong.
“This is a very important year for the Nerazzurri, the coach knows this well, there must be no bad moods.”
Orsi suggested that Inter’s transfer market means that they need to win sooner rather than later.
“In general, signing a few players over 30 doesn’t make me go crazy, but Conte must win now.
“He hasn’t been taken to developing the players from the youth set up, so it’s right that Inter have included an important experience level in the squad.
“Players that he already wanted have arrived. Maybe I would have fixed the defense better.”
He commented on the situation surrounding Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan. The player is currently caught in limbo as Inter and Cagliari negotiate a deal.
“For me he would be a starter in all the other Italian teams and in many European teams. At Inter he would find little space, so it would be better to go back to Cagliari where he expressed himself well last year.”
The former Inter assistant coach spoke about Juventus’ and Inter’s fight for this season’s league title.
“When you have Cristiano Ronaldo and Dybala on the pitch you have to be the favorite for the Scudetto. Juve are in front, but Inter have a more complete squad. The Nerazzurri must take advantage of the Bianconeri’s lack of strong options.”
Finally, Orsi spoke about other teams that could make a difference in the title race.
“I would keep an eye on Napoli, because they play well and they have already proved that. Atalanta are troublesome for everyone, while Lazio are waiting to see how the new players will fit in.
“Milan and Roma are unknowns that will take points away from those who want to win the Scudetto. We will have fun.”
