Italian journalist Alberto Dalla Palma discussed Inter’s 2-1 derby loss to rivals AC Milan in an editorial in today’s paper edition of the Rome based newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“After one month the season has its first master, his name is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he is 39 years old and he is raising Milan after years of disappointments and expenses so crazy that they’ve dragged them to the brink of bankruptcy.”
He continued discussing how the 39-year-old Swedish veteran, who is contracted to the Rossoneri until the end of the season, is an incredibly core part of the current squad.
“The Swede has brought something different and new to the Rossoneri team, as if with a magic wand he had also transformed his teammates, their mentality and spirit.
“With due proportions, Ibra had the same effect on the squad as the Dutch (Van Basten, Gullit and Rijkaard) at the time of Sacchi, even if the two teams are absolutely not comparable.”
The Italian journalist highlighted the impressive work of Rossoneri coach Stefano Pioli, who has guided the Milanese club to the top of the league table after four games.
“And Pioli, since the beginning of the season, has won seven games out of seven, entering the Europa League and rising to the top of the table, leaving Juve four points behind after the surprising Bianconeri draw in Crotone.”
Dalla Palma noted that both Ibrahimovic and Pioli are to thank for AC Milan’s current success and good form.
“It’s them, Ibra and Pioli, the secret of the new Milan, who are entering by right, like Napoli, into the group of teams that will fight for the Scudetto. The coach has brought all his common sense on the Rossoneri bench, the Swede has imposed his personality and exalted his talent, which knows no age.
“With a one-two punch they curbed Inter’s ambitions for one night and, above all, Conte who continues to hide to reject the role of the authentic anti Juve.”
He touched on how coach Antonio Conte needs to recognize that, considering who was signed in the transfer window, he needs to push Juventus for the league title this season.
“Actually, with who he bought on the market, the Puglian coach will have to accept this role as soon as possible, also convincing the players that nobody is stronger than them.
“It’s enough to look at the derby squad and also highlight the absences of Skriniar, Bastoni, Sensi, Gagliardini, Nainggolan and Young.”
Finally, Dalla Palma spoke about how the Nerazzurri have the strongest squad in the league, with even Juventus having less options than the Milanese club.
“Who has a more competitive and complete squad than Antonio Conte despite the choice to bet on Kolarov rather than Godin (already 8 goals conceded)?
“No one, maybe not even Pirlo, if it is true that in Crotone, he had to ask for help from two youngsters like Frabotta and Portanova.”
