Inter can gain the upper hand in next season’s Serie A title race as early as next weekend, according to Nerazzurri legend Riccardo Ferri.
Antonio Conte’s side have four games left to play after becoming champions but the most important one is undoubtedly their trip to Juventus on May 15.
Inter outclassed the Bianconeri with a 2-0 win at San Siro in January, setting them up for an incredible second half of the season, and Ferri wants them to deliver another statement performance.
Speaking to Inter TV on Thursday, the Nerazzurri’s former defender argued: “The Derby d’Italia is a game which goes beyond the league table.
“It won’t be easy, but Inter need to confirm their dominance this season in the match away at Juventus.
“A convincing performance in Turin would be like sending them a message: ‘From now on, we’re the strongest team and you’ll have to improve to compete with us.’
“Inter must now build on the extraordinary season they’ve had, where many problems were solved with the exceptional work done by Antonio Conte and all his staff.
“The club deserves credit as well though, for choosing the right people and completing a successful transfer campaign.”
Conte is reportedly planning five changes to his starting XI for tomorrow’s match at home to Sampdoria, which will be preceded by a Curva Nord guard of honour outside the stadium.
Despite the rotation, Ferri is confident Inter’s boss will remain his usual maniacal self until the final whistle on the final day of the season.
“Knowing Conte, he won’t take his foot off the accelerator until he’s on holiday,” Ferri added.
“Sampdoria will play their normal game and Claudio Ranieri will approach the game with a very professional mindset.
“I think there’ll be space for some Inter players who haven’t had as much of a chance so far.”