Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi’s suspensions proved costly for Inter in their 2-1 defeat to Juventus last night, according to the Nerazzurri’s legendary former striker Alessandro Altobelli.
Both players missed the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at San Siro after picking up bookings against AC Milan in the previous round.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s double secured victory for Andrea Pirlo’s side after Lautaro Martinez had given Inter an early lead.
“Inter missed Lukaku,” Altobelli explained while speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai Sport following Tuesday’s Derby d’Italia.
“We have seen what he can do.
“Lukaku is an extraordinary player, who scores and leads the team.
“He was missed today as his teammates did not know who to trust and Hakimi was also missed too.
“Juve won several titles even without Ronaldo but Lukaku instead is the extra man of Inter.
“He has personality, determination and desire, he drives the team forward.”
Altobelli then went on to dismiss Inter coach Antonio Conte’s comments that Inter’s project started in August and also ended that month as well.
“Did Inter change their plans? Last year they finished second, one point behind Juventus.
“At the moment, the Nerazzurri are also trying to achieve a good finish in Serie A again.
“At the beginning of the season, however, some players that Conte wanted arrived and Inter have an important squad.
“The project has not stopped.”
Speaking briefly on the game itself, Altobelli stated: “For a semi-final it was a fair match and a good match.
“There were a few too many fouls and some mistakes, but it was an interesting game.”
Altobelli, who is one of Inter’s best ever goal-scorers, then went on to share his views on the recent spat between Lukaku and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
In the quarter-final clash between Inter and AC Milan last week, things got very heated between Lukaku and Ibrahimovic who insulted one another and squared up to each other.
“Right now I think it’s everyone’s duty to talk little or say nothing about it, because the Italian Football Federation prosecutor has taken over and there is a fear of suspension for both players.”
Inter will attempt to overturn their first leg deficit at the Allianz Stadium next Tuesday, when they will need to score twice to stand any chance of reaching the final.
