Inter must find an upgrade for Christian Eriksen if they are to compete in the Champions League, according to Nerazzurri legend Beppe Bergomi.
Eriksen has enjoyed a terrific upturn in form under Antonio Conte during the last two months, having narrowly avoided a return to the Premier League in January.
But Bergomi has never hidden his doubts about the Danish midfielder and took another opportunity to diminish Eriksen’s performances today.
Asked where Inter needed to strengthen in order to compete in Europe, Bergomi told Gazzetta dello Sport: “They need a midfielder who can score six to eight goals per season.
“Somebody like Lothar Matthaus, for instance, or Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka to give a more modern example.
“Inter shouldn’t be thinking about Ngolo Kante anymore.
“I think Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella are perfect, it’s the third midfielder where they need to make an investment.
“OK, Eriksen is there now and is doing his bit, but if you want to make a step up in Europe you need something else in that area of the pitch.
“Teams play a different style of football in the Champions League, you need someone with pace who can beat their opponent and make the difference in one-on-one situations.
“It’s a different story in Europe, a different tournament.”
In addition to a more dynamic midfielder, Bergomi believes Inter need reinforcements in two other areas if they are to transfer their success in Serie A onto the continent.
“The first type of player Inter would need is a fast defender, because it would allow Conte to raise the defensive line,” he argued.
“It would allow Inter to take more risks, without being forced to drop deep to avoid conceding too much space behind.
“Let’s be clear, Inter are comfortable in this kind of situation because in Italy they know that sooner or later they’ll find a goal.
“But if we’re thinking about Europe, it’s a different matter.
“Inter also need a left-footed player on the wing.
“Ivan Perisic has done well and Ashley Young has shown himself to be reliable, but they need someone with a high-quality left foot.”
Inter suffered a humiliating group stage exit during this season’s Champions League, finishing bottom below Real Madrid, Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Conte’s side did reach last season’s Europa League final however, where they were narrowly beaten by Sevilla.
