Former Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has sang the praises of Inter striker Romelu Lukaku who he believes is the player who decides which direction games Inter play in go.

“Lukaku? In these matches he is very important, he is a world class player,” he told Italian broadcaster Sky Sport 24, yesterday afternoon.

“He is a constant menace for opposition players – even if he doesn’t have the ball, he draws two defenders away and for better or for worse he directs the game for Inter.”

Stramaccioni proceeded to discuss his thoughts on Inter’s midfield and what he thinks the acquisition of a new midfielder would mean for Antonio Conte’s Nerazzurri side.

“Inter’s big issue is the third central midfield role in their midfield three, in order to become a complete side they need to sort out their midfield.

“We know the story of Christian Eriksen whilst Stefano Sensi lacks a little something, Arturo Vidal doesn’t give continuity and against Sampdoria you saw the difficulty a predictable midfield has, even if it includes strong players.

“If Inter can find a player in that position, they become the strongest of all.”

The former Udinese boss then went on to speak about how Inter play in games and how the way that they play leads them to becoming unbalanced.

“Inter are a team that try to manage the moments of the match trying to always be present on the pitch and when it goes right, they are devastating.

“Inter are often forced to always involve many players to put pressure on the opponents and this unbalances you, a great team must never lose balance. Everything goes through the midfield.

“Inter have well-defined ideas but are more linked to the management of the game of the great champions whether that be Lukaku, the play of Lautaro Martinez or someone else.”

In conclusion Stramaccioni spoke on Conte and he was full of praise for the former, Juventus, Italy and Chelsea coach.

“His work can only be judged by the results.

“This season, since European football has vanished, the league is the priority.

“Inter and Conte will be judged only by the results, but if he is not the best Italian coach he is close to being it.”

Stramaccioni replaced Claudio Ranieri as Inter boss near the end of the 2011/12 season and remained in charge until May of 2013, when he was sacked and replaced by Walter Mazzarri.

He last managed Iranian club Esteghlal.