Inter must be wary of Lazio’s lethal counterattacks when they face the Biancocelesti on Sunday, the Nerazzurri’s former goalkeeper Tommaso Berni argued today.
Antonio Conte’s side need to put their midweek elimination to Juventus in the Coppa Italia behind them with a strong performance against Serie A’s form team.
Berni, who spent multiple seasons with both clubs, sent Inter’s players a word of warning ahead of this weekend’s crunch fixture at San Siro.
“Inter know they’ll have to watch out for Lazio’s devastating counterattacks,” he told Radio Incontro Olympia.
“On paper it’s a match between two teams who use the same system, but they play in very different styles.
“Lazio know Inter like to keep the ball and play at a high tempo.
“I’m convinced it’ll be a very open match with chances at both ends, it’s very difficult to make a prediction.
“It’s a game where any outcome is possible.”
Berni finally left Inter last summer after the Nerazzurri opted against renewing his contract, bringing an end to his six-year stint with the club.
Despite never playing for Inter’s first team, the 37-year-old had the chance to admire Conte’s coaching style from up close last season.
“He’s a coach of great international calibre, who always gives 110% and demands the same from his players,” Berni added.
“When he’s getting results things are calm, but when they aren’t arriving things can become tense.
“Conte is certainly a tough coach but he wants the maximum from everyone because he always gives everything like a professional.”
Inter are two points behind league leaders AC Milan heading into matchday 22, having followed up their draw at Udinese with back-to-back wins over Benevento and Fiorentina.
Conte must choose who will complete the Nerazzurri’s midfield trio against Lazio alongside Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella, with Arturo Vidal and Roberto Gagliardini both in contention.