Legendary former Inter striker Sandro Mazzola has given his thoughts on the summer of upheavel which the Nerazzurri look set for.
Speaking to Italian news outlet Calciomercato.com, the Inter and Italy great gave optimistic appraisals of incoming Inter signing Hakan Calhanoglu as well as coach Simone Inzaghi.
For Mazzola, both incoming players are promising and can help add quality to a team looking to replace the contributions of stricken midfielder Christian Eriksen and departed head coach Antonio Conte.
The 78-year-old, who made 568 appearances and scored 161 goals in all competitions for the Nerazzurri between 1960 and 1977, believes that both will be good fits for the club’s current project.
Mazzolla still feels a desire for Inter to succeed, and his words reflect the desire of Inter supporters everywhere for the club to maintain the high level which brought the Scudetto to the Giuseppe Meazza last season rather than dropping off due to absences and departures.
On Calhanoglu he said this:
“I like Calhanoglu, he’s a great signing. He holds the ball well, he can dribble, and he also has a nice shot.”
Mazzola preferred not to speculate whether Calhanoglu will directly replace Christian Eriksen while the Dane recovers:
“We must wait before we make comparisons, and in any case I hope that the Dane can return to the pitch.”
On the likelihood of major sales at the club Mazzola said:
“I understand this little, or rather I would think twice before selling important players. But I understand there are budgetary considerations.”
Of incoming Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi he said:
“I liked him a lot as a player, and I also appreciate him as a manager, because of his character and temperament. His Lazio played well. He is the right replacement for Conte and he wants to win.”
Lastly, Mazzola addressed the possible departure of striker Lautaro Martinez, saying:
“For now, I would keep him, then let’s see.”
