Former AC Milan centre-back Alessandro Costacurta has declared Inter to be the favourites to win the Scudetto this season, whilst also praising coach Antonio Conte.
Inter thrashed Milan 3-0 in the Derby della Madonnina last time out to move four points clear of the Rossoneri at the top of the table, as they target a first Serie A title since winning the league under Jose Mourinho in 2010.
“Inter are definitely the favourites for the Scudetto, above all because the other teams are still involved in cups,” the Milan icon claimed in an interview with Fanpage.it.
“I consider Conte to be amongst the top five coaches in the world. Inter have the strongest squad and the strongest coach, but I am puzzled that he has not been able to establish himself in the European competitions.
“He influences his players, but I believe that he is always looking to create an enemy for himself. These types of players and coaches, like Mourinho for example, need an enemy to bring out the best in themselves.”
Costacurta, who won seven league titles with Milan, went on to compare Inter with his former club and felt the Nerazzurri held the advantage, whilst also suggesting Juventus were contenders.
“Conte’s team have more players that are accustomed to more pressurised matches. In important matches with national teams and later stages of cup competitions, there is a huge difference in the experience of the teams.
“In Milan there are perhaps two players with this kind of experience, but the rest of the team do not have it. Juventus and Milan are Inter’s biggest rivals for the title, however Juve have the best squad and a coach in [Andrea] Pirlo who is learning and is brilliant.
“Pirlo will grow a lot and has only made a few mistakes, occasionally due to inexperience. He has more choices than anyone else and a much deeper squad.
“These will be the three teams battling for the title until the end of the season. Juve are the team best equipped for a long campaign, and have the habit of winning,” Costacurta concluded.
Aside from a season on loan at Monza, Costacurta spent his entire career with Milan and made 663 appearances for the Rossoneri from 1986 to 2007, lifting the Champions League/European Cup five times.
The former Italy international also won 59 caps and represented the Azzurri at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
