Antonio Conte was hailed as ‘a world-class coach’ by Inter legend Riccardo Ferri today.
Conte has Inter sitting nine points clear at the top of Serie A with 11 games to play, following Sunday’s pivotal late win at Torino.
Many pundits have declared the title race to already be over, but Ferri is confident they’re all trying to set the Nerazzurri up to fail.
In an interview for Wednesday’s print edition of Tuttosport, Inter’s former defender said: “Those saying the league is over are only doing it so they can then go: ‘Did you see Inter? They were top and they lost the league.
“Juventus are an angry team and AC Milan will try to close the gap but I remain confident.
“Conte is a world-class coach and a guarantee on the Inter bench.
“Inter are an efficient team with a sense of belonging, which never gives up.
“They embody the spirit of their coach.”
Ferri then recalled working under Giovanni Trapattoni at Inter and was asked whether Trapattoni and current Inter coach Antonio Conte can be compared at all.
“We improved from week to week, improving in terms of personality, strength and conviction.
“We have this in common with the current Inter team.
“Can Conte and Trap be compared? Absolutely.
“Trap is a good person, alongside a great professional in whom you could confide anything.
“We had a relationship that went beyond the pitch.”
Ferri also came to the defence of one of the strikers of his Inter, Aldo Serena, who has often been compared to current Inter striker Romelu Lukaku throughout this season.
“Let’s not forget that Aldo also won Serie A’s top-scorer award,” he recalled.
The former Italian national team defender, who spent virtually his whole career with the club, went on to highlight Inter’s squad depth.
“Look at Christian Eriksen and Alexis Sanchez against Torino,” Ferri added.
“The substitutes can really make a difference.”
Inter will look to consolidate their healthy lead at the top of the table when they welcome Sassuolo to San Siro on Saturday night.
