Romelu Lukaku is too strong for every defender in Serie A, according to the Nerazzurri’s former coach Alberto Zaccheroni.
The Belgian national team player has been in sensational form for Inter this season, scoring 22 goals in 29 games in all competitions.
Zaccheroni added his name to the long list of former players and coaches singing Lukaku’s praises today, ahead of Sunday’s crucial Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan.
“I think Lukaku alongside Cristiano Ronaldo is the strongest striker in Serie A,” Zaccheroni told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I don’t know who is able to mark Lukaku, without help from teammates I do not think there is anyone in the league that can.”
Zaccheroni, who managed Inter in the latter part of the 2003-04 season, then spoke on Christian Eriksen but was less complimentary about the Dane, despite his recent upturn in form.
“I know a different Eriksen to the one we are seeing, when he played for Ajax against Juventus and when he was at Tottneham he was a different Eriksen,” he argued.
“At this moment he does not change games whereas before he did.
“Him or Arturo Vidal starting? It depends on who AC Milan field.
“I think the Rossoneri want to stay in the opposing half of the pitch, the results have arrived by doing this.
“If he is fit, it is better off if Vidal plays.”
Zaccheroni also spoke on some duels that will be contested between Inter and AC Milan players during Sunday’s clash at San Siro, starting with the battle between Lautaro Martinez and Simon Kjaer.
“Kjaer has had better times whilst Lautaro seems to be doing very well.
“He is very convinced and determined.
“Kjaer has to work hard, but he has experience and I think he has recovered from his injury.”
He then spoke on the midfield battle between Franck Kessie and Nicolo Barella.
“It’s worth watching the game just for them.
“Barella is incredible, he makes up for the lack of physical structure with dynamism, while Kessie always comes out on top when tackling.
“Barella, however, is not just about dynamism, he is Inter’s no. 10 as well and an extraordinary player.”
Next he discussed the battle between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Stefan de Vrij.
“De Vrij is tough, I like him,” Zaccheroni said.
“If Ibra is fit, no one is able to stop him; I regret that I never coached him in 15 years of coaching in Serie A.
“He is a great professional and only thinks about winning.”
Zaccheroni also spoke on the goalkeepers of the Milanese clubs, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Samir Handanovic.
“Donnarumma and Handanovic are the two best goalkeepers around,” he concluded.
“Apart from some mistakes by the Slovenian, they are two very reliable goalkeepers.”
