Romelu Lukaku and Nicolo Barella received special praise from Massimo Moratti today as Inter continued to celebrate the Serie A title.
The Nerazzurri were confirmed as champions yesterday for the first time since 2010, after Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw away at Sassuolo.
Moratti is eager for Inter to keep hold of Antonio Conte as head coach but he also had words of praise for several of his players.
“We’re taking Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez for granted but we shouldn’t, they’re two exceptional players,” Inter’s former owner and president told Sky Sport Italia.
“Lukaku is the symbol of this victory, he scores goals and makes everything simpler for the team.
“Nicolo Barella is the player who best embodied Inter’s spirit though, which is necessary in order to win: he had a special season.
“Everyone has contributed though, from Achraf Hakimi to the defence and the goalkeeper (Samir Handanovic), even though he might have given a different impression in the last few games.
“There are no weaknesses in this team.”
Lukaku has scored 21 league goals this season and is widely recognised as Inter’s most important player under Conte, who has built his entire team around the Belgian striker.
“Lukaku is an incredible player, I understand why the fans love him and I have the same feelings towards him,” Moratti revealed.
“He’s a very intelligent guy as well and he’s made huge improvements to his game.
“We have an exceptional player on our hands, Conte was right to ask for his signing at all costs.”
Moratti was also asked which Inter side from the past could be compared to Conte’s team, as well as what advice he had given to Steven Zhang upon his appointment as club president in 2018.
“I think this Inter side is similar to Helenio Herrera and Giovanni Trapattoni’s teams,” he argued.
“It’s full of very serious professionals who have a desire to win and are convinced they can do it.
“The team could have relaxed at some point but Conte kept giving them this strength to keep going.
“I can see similarities in terms of the players and their professionalism.
“Steven Zhang? He’s a young man (29 years old) but he’s full of sensibility and focus, and he conducts himself in a very humble manner.
“You can see he knows things already but he tries to take on all the advice you give him.
“He’s a clever guy who understands the situation.
“I gave him friendly advice about Inter’s character, the fans… I advised him to be sincere with his communication, to speak clearly without mediation.”
Moratti then identified a key turning point in Inter’s charge to the Serie A title and expressed his joy and relief to see them win the scudetto again, for the first time in 11 years.
“I think the derby win over AC Milan was the turning point,” he argued, referring to Inter’s 3-0 win in February.
“I thought before that game that everything would be downhill if we won that, the Rossoneri were the only ones who could compete for a little bit.
“That was a very assured performance from the team.
“It’s a real pleasure that Inter have returned to winning ways and have the foundations to keep going.
“We knew it was going to happen but it’s still a special moment.
“I celebrated with my family, it feels like a weight has come off my shoulders.”
On Conte, Moratti added: “He’s full of tenacity and resilience.
“He managed to pursue his goal while protecting and molding the team; I think he’s been exceptional.”