Legendary Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli has shared his belief that Inter currently have the best squad in all of Serie A, despite their worse than expected start to this campaign.
“If we look at the squad, Inter are second to none but there seems to be a big difference between theory and practice,” Altobelli explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Il Giornale, which appeared in today’s print edition.
“Inter at the moment is unable to express their potential on the pitch and I think there is a problem of trust but also of tactics.
“Last year both in the league and in the cups they did much better. Not to mention the league where Inter have lost their defensive solidity. Conte at this moment must try to rely on a well-studied 11 to get what everyone expects to see on the pitch.”
Altobelli, who is one of the greatest goalscorers in Inter history, was then quizzed on whether he feels Inter manager Antonio Conte is currently different from his usual attitude.
“Yes, that’s right, I noticed that. At Juventus, in all his experiences and even last year he moved much more, he screamed, he yelled perhaps also because until a few months ago there was also the fans and it was harder to be heard.
“The other night I was in San Siro for Inter-Borussia Monchengladbach and even now if he speaks softly you can hear him up in the stands, perhaps there is no need to scream anymore. I don’t see him relaxed but compared to last year’s Conte, he is lacking a bit of bite.”
Alotbelli then proceeded to discuss Inter’s tactics that they have used this season and whether they are too rigid which has been a complaint of many.
“Having recently been to the stadium to see the game I can say that during the same match against Gladbach he changed the formation several times but in the end it is not so much a question of formation because it is the players who make you win or lose the matches.
“At this moment many are not expressing themselves at their best. Lautaro Martinez and especially Lukaku are doing exceptional. Even bad luck is raging with too many infections and injuries. I repeat, I think he has his tactical ideas but in the end it is the players who determine your fortunes.”
Altobelli was then asked how much of an affect he thinks the Coronavirus infections will have over the course of this season.
“Let’s hope as little as possible. Inter had to do without many players at this stage, as well as Juventus with CR7 and others, Napoli and above all Genoa. Unfortunately, all the teams will have to live with this absurd situation which certainly will not facilitate the work of the coaches.”
Altobelli proceeded to share his thoughts on the recent Milan derby, which Inter lost 2-1.
“When a team like Inter goes 2-0 down after 16 minutes, something didn’t work when it comes to the approach to the match.
“I’m not saying it was badly prepared for but I saw a team that was a bit careless and not centred. I can’t say that they never recovered given they had a very good second half.
“At points, maybe they would have deserved the victory and not just the draw but if you make a lot of mistakes in the defensive and offensive phase then you pay for everything and at the moment your situation is described by the points in the standings you have. AC Milan played their game and in the end they even took it home.”
The former Italian national team player was then asked if Inter are still worthy in the race for the title.
“It is difficult to answer this question, I think we are returning to normality, Inter certainly have a good chance to make it.
“The team has the players to climb the rankings because it is not normal to be five points behind AC Milan after four days and to have drawn on their debut in the Champions League but football is like this and if I had to bet something on the Nerazzurri, obviously I would do it because as a squad they have nothing to envy about anyone.”
Altobelli was then asked if he feels Conte has made any mistakes with the choices he has made in the opening weeks of the 2020/21 season.
“Of course, I am thinking of having D’Ambrosio and Kolarov play in a three man defence when they are two wing-backs, who can play at centre back but have had to be adapted.
“These are mistakes that unfortunately you pay dearly for. The sale of Godin, the ostracism in some circumstances against Skriniar, it seems to me that the best defence of the last season was dismantled too soon but I think there is time to make up for mistakes.”
Next he was asked whether he thinks the former Italian national team boss will still be in charge of Inter next season.
“It will depend a lot on how this season goes, if he doesn’t win the Scudetto or doesn’t finish in the top two and Inter are hurt in the Champions League, anything can happen. The coaches depend on the results and obviously Conte would be sacked if the season ended badly.”
Altobelli then spoke on the performances of Arturo Vidal and Christian Eriksen against Borussia Monchengladbach.
“When you have Vidal in front of the defence he loses something because of the age he is and what he is. Conte made him play there but I see him better in the midfield.
“In the end, playing in front of the defence you expose yourself to more risks and someone like him who is very impulsive made two mistakes.
“As for Eriksen, on the other hand, I can say that having seen him live, I studied him closely. I see him disheartened, he does not risk anything.
“He does the bare minimum, he makes the short pass for fear of making a mistake, this Eriksen is of no use to Inter or himself, he must play more serene, more calm. He must have personality and character that he is not showing at the moment.”
In conclusion he spoke on whether Inter’s decision to replace Mauro Icardi with Romelu Lukaku was right.
“Icardi had great seasons at Inter with him scoring 124 goals, Inter paid little for him and sold him for a lot. For me it was a very good sign at the time and now I can say that the club has replaced him more than worthily with Lukaku, who is not making anyone have regrets.
“Romelu is an extraordinary player, he deserves all the compliments they are giving him and I am sure he will do even better.”
