Ex-Lazio coach Sven Goran Eriksson has expressed how much he admires the coaching work that Simone Inzaghi has done both at Inter and in the past at Lazio, according to a report in the Italian print media today.
Speaking during an interview with Tuttosport, Sven Goran Eriksson suggested that Simone Inzaghi can become just as good a coach as Italy boss Roberto Mancini and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who both played for Lazio at the same time as him.
“Now he is a young coach and can easily become like Roberto Mancini or Diego Simeone. I name them two because Inzaghi played for Lazio with both of them. And he can certainly follow their path.”
Sven Goran Erikkson was in charge at Lazio when Simone Inzaghi was a young striker for the Biancocelesti, so he did not think of him becoming a coach when he retired from playing.
“No, I didn’t think about it then, but only because he was really very young. Simone has been pursuing this career for several years, achieving excellent results.
“He’s going great. Now it’s up to him to continue on the right path with a very strong team.”
Simone Inzaghi will face his old team for the first time since taking the Inter job after the international break, and Sven Goran Eriksson hopes that he will get warm applause from the Lazio fans.
“I hope he receives a lot of applause. Inzaghi has done great things with the Biancocelesti. Life is like this, it changes. Only Alex Ferguson actually coached Manchester United for a very long period of time.
“Inter in Italy is one of those teams that historically wins more. They are the current champions, Simone will also try to triumph with the Nerazzurri.”
Speaking of that specifically, Sven Goran Eriksson believes Inter will win but would rather his former team took the points.
“A very interesting game, with a thousand emotions, especially for Inzaghi who after a life in the Biancoceleste returns to Rome as an opponent.
“My heart, for obvious reasons, beats for Lazio. While my brain makes me think that the Nerazzurri are favourites. We’ll see. In any case, I will enjoy the match on television, for sure.”
As for Inter’s entire season, the Swede feel Inter can still win the league again despite selling Romelu Lukaku.
“They sold an important player, Lukaku who scores wherever he plays. The Nerazzurri can do it and repeat themselves, winning the Scudetto.
“But keep an eye on Napoli, who started very strong, and on AC Milan who can aspire to important positions.”
