Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes that Inter have made up for the losses of Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi not just with quality players but also with their mindset.
Speaking to Sky Sport ahead of his team’s Champions League clash with the Nerazzurri tomorrow, the Italian tactician praised his opposite numbers and stated that he believes they will be very tough to get the better of.
Lukaku’s and Hakimi’s departures, as well as that of Antonio Conte, gave many the impression that the Nerazzurri a drop-off compared to last season’s Scudetto-winning side.
However, thus far the team have looked to be playing with confidence under new coach Simone Inzaghi, and the results have been positive at least in Serie A.
De Zerbi puts this down to the players having the right approach to games and the mentality that comes from having won important trophies already.
On his prediction for the match, he said that “Sometimes the opponent forces you to defend deep. The starting idea is not that, you know what I think, but Inter are strong, very strong in their mindset compared to exactly a year ago. I think winning the Scudetto has been crucial for many players, for what has been done in these three games.”
Asked whether the Nerazzurri remain strong despite a tough summer transfer window he said, “I believe so, with the belief and awareness of being strong. Lukaku and Hakimi are two great players, they have also replaced them with other players with different characteristics, and they are very strong.”
