In a long interview with Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition, Inter legend Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Bergomi has discussed the comparisons being made between the current Inter and the record Scudetto winning Inter side which he was part of.

“It is always difficult to compare teams from different eras. In mine there were many Italian national team players and to build a winning mentality champions like Brehme and Matthäus were added.

“If there was someone like Lothar in this Inter, I would have no doubts, Inter would come first,” he began.

The former Italian national team central defender was then asked what was the secret behind the success of the team he was in.

“The compactness. There was an exceptional union that led us to win against many very strong rivals, from Napoli to AC Milan.

“Just like today, Inter had not played very well. Critics were massacring Trapattoni and one day a delegation of Italian players, me, Zenga, Baresi, Matteoli and Ferri, we went to knock on his door.

“We just told him ‘We are with you’ and he was moved by it. A tear fell from his eye. It was a beautiful moment and that joined the group together even more.”

Next Bergomi, who has made the second most appearances of all time for Inter, spoke in the difference between Giovanni Trapattoni and current Inter manager Antonio Conte.

“They are very different and this is because the coaching profession has changed a lot. Trap knew how to motivate a lot, but he also had the ability to loosen his grip.

“He dealt with defeats in a different way than Conte, who is a great coach but in those moments, by nature, he is a bit difficult.”

The 1982 World Cup winner then went on to sing the praises of Conte and how things differed for his Inter side compared to Conte’s Inter.

“Conte is the added value of this Inter. He does not have the strongest squad in Serie A but, with all the difficulties involved, he is building a solid team that has everything to win the league.

“He just wants everyone to row in the same direction. We were more ready and covered in all departments, it was easier to go upstream.”

The legendary captain then went on to share his belief that Inter’s elimination from all European competition can help them in their bid to win a first Serie A title since the 2009/10 season.

“There was an open wound due to how we lost when we were eliminated by Bayern Munich. At the time it was not an advantage to be eliminated from Europe because there were far fewer games in Europe.

“This time focusing on just one goal can help though.”

Bergomi then went on to sing the praises of Inter central defender Alessandro Bastoni as well as current Inter captain Samir Handanovic.

“I recently told Ferri that today he and I would be dwarves. The defenders are now much taller and Bastoni is an example of this. He plays the role in a modern way, but we were much better scorers.

“The latest statements from Handanovic were liked. He did not seek excuses, as a true leader does.”

In conclusion he was asked what today’s Inter can learn from his side that managed to win the title.

“The sense of belonging and the infinite love for the shirt. If they understand the values ​​of Inter and the DNA of the club which is different from all the others, which is not better or worse, but different.

“They can move mountains and play against everything and everyone and at that point the Scudetto will be a consequence.”