Inter must not let their spectacular performances in Serie A get to their heads, former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi has warned.
Antonio Conte’s side are leading the way after 23 games with a four-point advantage over AC Milan, following Sunday’s 3-0 win in the Derby della Madonnina.
Sacchi believes the Nerazzurri have everything they need to win the Scudetto this season, but only if they follow one simple rule.
“There are still too many games to say Inter have already won it, but their fate is in their own hands,” Sacchi told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“If they maintain the desire to keep improving they have everything to clinch the title, but if they get comfortable thinking they’re invincible then everything could return into the balance.
“Inter beat AC Milan with merit, but above all they are improving.
“Conte is doing a good job, the impression is that the team has gone to the next level.
“The team is improving, they are well protected at the back and are deadly on the counterattack.”
Sacchi went on to identify who he felt were Inter’s key players, following their impressive run of 13 wins in 16 league games.
He joined the long list of those praising Christian Eriksen and Ivan Perisic for their recent upturns in form.
“Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella have been decisive up to now and Conte has managed to get a contribution from those who seemed out of the project,” Sacchi said.
“Eriksen and Perisic are two more solutions for Inter.
“The Dane, as often happens to players who come from the UK, needed time to understand our football and above all our defensive approach.
“In England they interpret football as it was intended by the game’s founding fathers, in an attacking way.
“Perisic, on the other hand, offers Conte that balance and that extra boost on the wing that Ashley Young was struggling to guarantee.”
Sacchi proceeded to discuss how important it is for Inter that they are not involved in European competition, following their surprise elimination from the UEFA Champions League in December.
“Conte can indulge himself when it comes to preparation for matches,” he argued.
“I know him, I have seen his training sessions.
“Conte is among the most prepared coaches out there and also one of the shrewdest at understanding the moments of his players.
“He is capable of motivating and convincing them so he can integrate them into his style of play.”
Sacchi did have one piece of advice for Conte, however, urging the Nerazzurri boss to start playing more proactively now that they are so solid at the back.
“Inter are already a convincing team, but if I can give Conte some advice, I would like him to take the initiative even more,” he said.
“Now he has some defensive certainties that would allow him to take more risks while still remaining in control of the game.”