Samir Handanovic will be starting in goal for Inter for many more years before he is moved aside, according to his former teammate Tommaso Berni.
Handanovic, who is under contract with the Nerazzurri until the end of next season, has been criticised for several poor performances this season, drawing speculation that he is past his peak at the age of 36.
It has been widely reported that Inter are looking for a long-term replacement for the Slovenian, with Udinese’s Juan Musso and Napoli’s Alex Meret among those linked, but Berni – who left the club last summer after his contract finally expired – did not sound so sure.
“I am convinced that Samir will still be the starting goalkeeper at Inter for several years,” Berni remarked in an interview with Radio Nerazzurra today.
“The small errors he has made are part of the role, but then when he had to respond promptly in the decisive moments, just like in the match with Juventus in the league, he has pulled out impressive saves.
“I am convinced that Inter are still in good hands.
“Here in Italy there are excellent goalkeepers who have had great seasons in recent years.
“I would like to mention two players that I can see in the future at Inter and I would also be happy for them: both Musso and Meret have great potential and still have great room for improvement, given their young age.”
Berni, who left Inter at the end of last season, touched upon Inter’s upcoming Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus.
“They will be like two finals because they are two very great teams.
“I also believe that they are the strongest teams in the league.
“Inter will certainly want to have a great performance from every point of view as they did in the league.
“Juve will have to take cover a bit.
“Asking or saying what Andrea Pirlo will have to do, it is not up to me, but surely they will be open matches.”
Berni proceeded to discuss the importance of the Derby d’Italia fixture and Inter’s growth as a team.
“They are the two most important Italian clubs, together with AC Milan.
“When you play those games the attention is high and at the highest level because you’re doing battle with the strongest team in Italy during recent years, therefore it’s super exciting.
“For all these years, Juventus have shown that they always know how to seize the right opportunity and take advantage of the mistakes of others.
“I now see a really solid and very strong Inter in every department.
“The awareness of becoming a team is growing, they are getting ever stronger.
“It’s a pity that there are no fans.”
Berni then went on to touch upon Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, both of whom will miss tomorrow’s match due to suspension.
“We all know the importance of that type of players.
“Romelu, already last year, has shown all his potential and in my opinion he still has great room for improvement, the strongest Romelu is yet to arrive.
“Hakimi is demonstrating all his skills and his qualities.
“I think he is the strongest and most promising wing-back in the world.”
The veteran shot-stopper then discussed Christian Eriksen’s recent usage as a regista, the role typically played by Marcelo Brozovic.
“Look for sure they are players with different characteristics but they share a great tactical sense and a great vision of the game.
“In my opinion they could also coexist but the coach evaluates things and does so in these days and I am convinced that he will find the best solution.”
In conclusion Berni was asked to give a prediction for how the semi-final will go.
“Look, it is really too difficult in my opinion to make a prediction.
“Any result is possible, the episodes in the match will surely make the difference.
“Whoever has the most grit between their teeth, in my opinion, will win the Coppa Italia.”