Antonio Conte has one more step to make if he wants to become one of world football’s greatest coaches, according to Italian football legend Arrigo Sacchi.
Inter are on course to win their first Serie A title in 11 years, thanks mostly to Conte’s excellent work since his arrival in the summer of 2019.
The Nerazzurri’s head coach is receiving widespread praise for the job he has done at San Siro, but Sacchi believes he is still not quite ready to achieve success in Europe.
“It might be true that not many of Conte’s players at Inter are used to winning things – almost nobody – but Conte is, so he knows how to do it,” the former AC Milan and Italy coach told Gazzetta.it on Monday.
“Conte is a great coach who needs to still make one more little step: he needs to attack with more players.
“It’s an improvement that could prove decisive, especially in terms of the UEFA Champions League.
“Antonio is an exceptional and passionate worker, I’m sure he is chasing perfection.
“In Europe, for example, teams aren’t worried about leaving themselves two-vs-two at the back, whereas in Italy we always feel the need to cover our shoulders.
“This is a bad habit that derives from our footballing tradition.”
Inter, who finished bottom of their Champions League group before Christmas, can open up an 11-point lead over Sacchi’s former side AC Milan by beating Sassuolo in tomorrow’s rearranged game.
Conte’s side seem destined to pick up the Scudetto unless they take their eye off the ball, and Sacchi simply can’t see that happening.
“I’m convinced Conte will keep the group concentrated right until the end,” he assured.
“I don’t think Inter are in danger of throwing the title away.”
Inter have won nine games in a row in Serie A, conceding just three goals in their last 11 league matches.