Former Italian national team coach Roberto Donadoni has shared his belief that the title race in Serie A will be on a long one.
“From what we have seen so far, I would say yes [it will be a long one]. At the beginning of the season it was easy to say Juve, but in the second part of last season the others sent important messages, I am thinking of AC Milan and Inter,” he explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition.
Donadoni then touched upon Inter’s match versus Napoli tonight and he simply stated: “Inter and Napoli promises to be a show.”
Donadoni then expressed his views on where he thinks Atalanta’s Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez should go amid the player facing an uncertain future with the Bergamo based club and he said: “He is so mature and aware that he could do well in any big Italian side.”
Donadoni proceeded to speak on the Inter team and whether Antonio Conte’s plan B could be a turning point for the Nerazzurri club.
“We are talking about a manager who has never stuck to a single game system, tactical flexibility is in his baggage. Is tactical flexibility also in the Inter team? Yes, Inter are one of the best in Serie A. Inter only having the Scudetto after European football elimination? This can generate nervousness, of course. It will be a test of temperament, for everyone.”
Donadoni then admitted that whilst a great player, struggling Inter attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen must also adapt: “He is used to being a protagonist, he cannot feel satisfied. He is a great player, but we must also be able to adapt.”
In conclusion Donadoni, who last managed Chinese club Shenzhen Football Club, spoke on the starts of Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic respectively.
“Ronaldo conveys confidence, Lukaku is perhaps less charismatic but he is a force, he transforms everything that passes by him into gold.
“This Ibra, however, is wonderful. At 39 he understood how to make an impact in a very young group. He is incredibly empathetic, he drags the team along even when he is not on.”
