Ex-Forward Pazzini: “Inter Struggled When They Relied Only On Lukaku”

Former Inter forward Giampaolo Pazzini was impressed with Inter’s 3-1 win over Hellas Verona on Friday.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN (via FcInter1908) yesterday, the 37-year-old Italian first spoke about the brace from Argentinian debutant Joaquin Correa.

“Nice goal the header, the last Correa had scored was in Spain in 2017. Went up well. Took his time well on a not-so-fast ball, gave a great shot. 

“The second goal is even better, with quickness, violence and precision, like a real player. 

“Apart from talking about his performance, whoever scores a goal gets the credit, but a moment can direct the game, from that goal on a corner, in numerical superiority, the goal came and changed the game.”

He touched on his impression of the Nerazzurri’s new signings Edin Dzeko, Hakan Calhanoglu and Correa.

“These are very good signs for those who chose them. When you buy a new player and he immediately shows you something, it’s a source of pride for everyone, for those who chose him and for the teammates who welcomed him.”

The 37-year-old Italian discussed if Lautaro Martinez can be the focal point of Inter following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea.

“He was a focus point of play and performance. Certainly last year Lukaku centralised the game on himself. Inter depend less on someone. 

“Inter struggled when they relied only on Lukaku, this year there are more weapons and that’s a good thing. Now there’s Lautaro, but there’s also Correa, Sensi, Calha, a lot of stuff this year.”

Finally, Pazzini spoke about the positive performance of Arturo Vidal in Friday’s 3-1 win.

“You can tell by the little things. Sometimes a quarter of an hour is enough to give a good signal, an input, and after Genoa, he made two contrasts that are typical of Vidal. 

“A good signal. He’s had a few problems, but he’s a strong player.”

The Nerazzurri’s next game of the season is against Sampdoria on 12th September, but their first real challenge comes a few days later on the 15th, when they will face Real Madrid in their Champions League opener.

Simone Inzaghi will be looking to continue the team’s winning ways heading into that game, looking to carry the momentum across.