Former Inter striker Hernan Crespo is convinced the Nerazzurri have a serious chance of becoming Serie A champions this season.
Antonio Conte’s side are three points behind AC Milan at the top of the standings after defeating Juventus in Sunday’s Derby d’Italia.
They have won nine of their last 11 matches in the league and Crespo is expecting an enthralling title race between now and the end of the season.
“I am pleased that AC Milan, after so many years of Juventus domination, are back at the top and that finally the Scudetto for AC Milan and Inter is a genuine prospect, not just a way of creating hype,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport, with the interview appearing in Wednesday’s print edition.
Crespo, who is the current coach of Argentine club Defensa y Justicia, then reflected on Inter’s first Derby d’Italia win over Juventus since 2016 on Sunday.
“It was the perfect match and a victory that gives enthusiasm and awareness,” he said.
“When you beat the team that has dominated the league in recent years, you really believe you have reached the finish line.
“From a technical and tactical point of view there was no contest and Conte’s team still have room for improvement.
“Now they have strength, character and discipline on the pitch.
“Everyone knows what they have to do and they do it great.”
The former Argentine national team player was then asked what his favourite quality about Conte’s side was.
“Their practical nature,” he answered.
“They always look for the direct ball, they go straight to the strikers.
“They have players that are physically very strong, they have power and energy.
“Just look at Achraf Hakimi, you need snipers to stop him!
“And then there’s Romelu Lukaku up front and he is a force of nature.
“He pulls the defenders away with a crazy strength.”
Crespo then proceeded to discuss compatriot Lautaro Martinez and was quick to praise the 23-year-old, who has 10 goals in 25 appearances this season.
“Lautaro is phenomenal, in the penalty area he is lethal.
“He doesn’t miss a beat, when he shoots he always hits the target, there are few like him.”
Crespo was then asked whether a single player will be decisive in Inter’s title bid but he instead stated that it will be an entire department that will be.
“Will it be a single player who will be decisive? No it will not be a single player but an entire department.
“Inter’s midfield is well balanced.
“I like Nicolo Barella a lot, but pay attention to Arturo Vidal’s recent improvements.
“Arturo is not yet at the top and, when he gets there, the Nerazzurri will be quids in.”
In conclusion, Crespo spoke on Inter’s elimination from European competition and whether that can help them, although he refused to be drawn into saying how the league will finish.
“Playing matches in the middle of the week takes away energy, it’s undeniable but you can make up for it with enthusiasm and a wise rotation of the players.
“Sometimes, as my teacher Carlo Ancelotti says, it is more difficult to manage a team that only plays one game a week maybe there are grumbles because someone plays little or does not play at all.
“What will the final standings look like? I’m not falling into that trap.
“Inter are more structured to win, as shown by the investments made.
“AC Milan are going beyond their limits, and we still don’t know where they can go.
“It’s a beautiful battle and I’d love to play in that match: one half with AC Milan, one half with Inter…”
