Ex-Inter Defender Michele Serena: “Not Convinced By Christian Eriksen In Play-Maker Position”

Christian Eriksen’s future remains away from Inter despite playing in a new midfield position against Fiorentina today, according to the Nerazzurri’s former defender Michele Serena.

Antonio Conte trialled the Danish midfielder in a deep-lying play-maker role away to Cesare Prandelli’s side in the Coppa Italia, with Eriksen playing the full 120 minutes in a 2-1 win for the visitors.

Serena told TMW Radio it would distort Eriksen’s style of play too much to use him in that position on a consistent basis.

“If Inter signed Eriksen to play him in front of the defence then there’s something that doesn’t add up,” he said.

“Today was the first time he played in that role, what did we expect? Eriksen played his own game, without disasters and without much to get excited about.

“I think he’s still very much destined to leave the club if they can find a solution that suits everyone.”

Romelu Lukaku proved decisive against for Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, heading in Nicolo Barella’s cross in the 119th minute to stave off the threat of a penalty shoot-out.

Achraf Hakimi also produced another scintillating performance after coming on as a second-half substitute, leaving Serena to reflect on both players’ importance to the team.

“We aren’t discovering how good Lukaku is today, whereas Hakimi is a very young player who could become a key player for Inter in the coming years.

“Inter created more chances to win than Fiorentina, although I liked the Viola’s performance.”

Serena also commented on Sunday’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus, which he believes could be a decisive match in the fight for this season’s Serie A title.

“If Juventus win I don’t think anyone will be able to stop them anymore,” he warned.

“They’d have recovered eight points on Inter in the space of three games and it would be a big blow for the Nerazzurri.

“If Inter won, on the other hand, it would become difficult for Juventus to bridge the gap to them and AC Milan.

“It’s a nuisance for Inter to have gone to extra-time today, they probably had their minds on the weekend already.”