Legendary Inter defender Riccardo Ferri has shared his belief that Inter took multiple steps backwards following their UEFA Champions League group stage defeat to Real Madrid in the middle of the week.
“Until a few weeks ago, I had described this situation as a tactical problem,” he began an interview with Italian news outlet PassioneInter.com.
“It was a front-wheel drive team, which needed to be more balanced then there was the match with Atalanta in Bergamo which gave good ideas, with Inter more careful in the non-possession phase.
“The decline could also be explained by the national teams because in any case there was a reaction in the second half against Torino. It is clear that the match against Real Madrid was a punch in the stomach because they took three steps backwards.”
He was then asked how he would explain the decline that Inter have had this season compared to last where they were performing so much better and to expectations.
“Finding a justification would be too simple, if I had it I would immediately tell Inter. I think there is still plenty of room to take revenge, it is clear that such a decline was not expected in terms of mentality and attitude, all that characterised the second half of the season.”
Ferri, who spent almost his entire career with Inter, then spoke on Christian Eriksen and his continued struggles at the club.
“I dissociate myself from those looking for a scapegoat, they have had plenty of time to express their qualities. If he has not yet done so, it is not the fault of anyone and how much he has played.
“The players have the opportunity to put the coach in difficulty, not only in the match but also in training. I don’t think Conte doesn’t let him play because of a preconception.”
He was then asked why he thinks Inter have conceded as many goals as they have this season especially after last season where Inter were defensively solid and hard to score against.
“I believe that the signings have led Inter to be a slightly less balanced team, even the midfield has front-wheel drive.
“There is no doubt that then the defensive line can get into difficulty, then there is the lack of intensity that is put into stealing the ball from the opponents. When the ball is lost and the team is still, not everyone is in the right positions to prevent scoring. I expect something to change.”
In conclusion, Ferri spoke on the exponential growth that Inter central defender Alessandro Bastoni has had in the past year or so.
“His path has been a natural crescendo. In all probability in training, with the close proximity to champions, he has had the opportunity to draw something from them to grow quickly.
“He embodies the confidence of the central defender very well, but with his left foot he knows how to start the build-up. The National team is the right reward for what has been done so far.”
Ferri came through the youth ranks at Inter and debuted for the first time in 1981. He would spend the next 13 years in the Inter first team before departing for Sampdoria in 1994 after having made over 400 appearances for the club.
