Former Inter midfielder Luigi Di Biagio insists that claims the Nerazzurri do not play good football are baseless, whilst also praising coach Antonio Conte for his work this term.
Inter currently sit 11 points clear of AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table after defeating Cagliari 1-0 today and appear on course for a first Scudetto since 2010.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Di Biagio credited Conte for the Nerazzurri’s impressive season, whilst also dismissing criticism of their style of play.
“We can only compliment Conte’s work. He closed the gap between Juventus in a very short time, shaping the team in his image with targeted signings,” the former Roma midfielder declared.
“He is like a hammer, he never gives up, even when things go wrong. He sticks to his principles and in the end he’s always proven right.
“It seems obvious to me that at the start of the season they remained in touching distance of the top despite giving the impression of only playing at 60-70% of their potential. Now that they have freed it, the results can be seen.
“The turning point for me was when they adjusted in defence. At the start of the season they conceded many easy goals. Once they found consistency in defence it was obvious the results would come.
“I laugh, however, when people say they play badly. They have the best attack and the best defence in the league! Of course, beauty is subjective, even in football, but certain comments seem meaningless.”
With Inter seemingly set to end nine years of Juventus dominance by securing the Serie A title, Di Biagio suggested that the Nerazzurri could now create their own cycle of success.
“The squad is mature and convinced of their talent, with personality. Inter have a complete squad, and now they are aware of it, that they have understood and accepted it.
“This team can build a cycle, they just need one or two pieces at a time to keep the squad fresh. Even in Europe they can have their say. With this awareness they certainly would not have made it out of the Group Stage (in the Champions League).”
Di Biagio turned his attention to striker Romelu Lukaku and felt that his signing was another success for Conte after the Belgian international surpassed 20 league goals for the season.
“He is an incredible player, even if many turned their noses up at him in the beginning. He is a striker who can provide 30 goals per season, with a phenomenal work ethic. He is another successful gamble by Conte,” Di Biagio concluded.
