Former Inter defender Francesco Colonnese has given his thoughts on the newly-appointed Nerazzurri head coach Simone Inzaghi.
Speaking to Italian news outlet FCInter1908, he remarked that he feels that the former Lazio manager will be the right manager to replace Antonio Conte, and is capable of winning the Scudetto with Inter.
Colonnese spent three seasons at Inter, between 1997 and 2000, before departing for Lazio where he shared a dressing room with the new Inter boss.
The 49-year-old has a positive impression of the new Inter coach, and he believes that the former striker has the right personal qualities to lead the Nerazzurri.
Moreover, he explains the tactical side of Inzaghi’s managerment, and makes some predictions about how the team will line up based on his understanding of the new coach’s methods.
“He is a serious, well-prepared guy who I have known since the time of Lazio,” Colonnese says of Inzaghi, “He has improved a lot over the years. I wish the best for him, because in my opinion he has an important opportunity.”
“He immediately understood what Inter is and I am happy that he has decided to become a part of this project. I am convinced that he will do very well: from the first statements he showed a comfort in this environment. He is one of the best emerging young coaches in Italian football.”
On whether Inzaghi is the right man to replace Conte:
“Yes, I think so. He wanted a change of scenery, I believe it was the right choice.”
The former defender then spoke about the type of player that Inzaghi was when they were together at Lazio as players:
“Simone is a studious, sociable guy – a big football fan since he played with me. I didn’t think he could become this good as a coach. Based on his football knowledge, I would have seen him more as a technical manager. I have followed him a lot over the years and I am convinced that he has improved a lot. I am sure he will have a great season, because he has found a team that fits his idea of football. I am really quite confident.”
Asked about whether he has contacted his old friend Inzaghi he said this:
“Immediately after his signing, I sent him a message. I felt very, very excited and enthusiastic. He is a dear friend.”
Next, Colonnese was asked about whether he believes that Inter can fight for the Scudetto next season despite the loss of Achraf Hakimi, answering with the following:
“In my opinion, yes, Inter are very strong. It’s a great group. They have lost a fundamental player, but if having to make a sacrifice, perhaps it is better to sacrifice one in his role rather than, perhaps, one of the two forwards. They would have been more difficult to replace. Despite Hakimi’s immense value, I think it was the most logical move.”
Asked how he expects the new coach’s Inter team to differ stylistically from Conte’s, he said this:
“Inzaghi will focus on quality midfielders rather than physicality. I’m thinking about what he did to Lazio with Luis Alberto and Milinkovic-Savic.”
Asked about who he would sign to replace Hakimi between Hector Bellerin, Denzel Dumfries, and Manuel Lazzari, this was his answer:
“I think the player best suited to this Inter is one between Bellerin and Dumfries, I really like them both. They have a European style: Bellerin has international experience; Dumfries, on the other hand, when watching him at the European Championships I thought he has great potential.”
