Antonio Conte shares several qualities with three of his most successful predecessors at Inter, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Tuttosport’s print edition said Conte had taken traits from Giovanni Trapattoni, Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho to help guide Inter towards this season’s Serie A title.
Inter need just four points from their final five games to be crowned champions for the first time since Mourinho left the club in 2010.
It could become official as early as Sunday though, if Conte’s side beat Crotone (on Saturday) and Atalanta fail to beat Sassuolo the following day.
Conte has taken inspiration from Trapattoni’s style of play, the Turin-based paper argued, using a 3-5-2 system which prioritises defensive solidity and hits teams on the break with rapid strikers.
He is similar to Mancini for his management in the dressing room, choosing the right players for the right moments and ensuring everyone – even those who aren’t playing – feel like they’re involved in Inter’s project.
Conte is also comparable to Mourinho for his tendency to create a siege mentality, the report added, with both coaches trying to create an ‘us vs them’ narrative in the dressing room as a motivational tactic.
The pair were described as ‘two charismatic leaders, demagogues and lightning rods who have stood in the front line’ and led their teams towards victory.
