Former Inter and Roma midfielder Luigi Di Biagio feels that the work of Simone Inzaghi is clearly evident in how this Nerazzurri team plays.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Di Biagio emphasized that while Antonio Conte may have provided the base for this team, they have taken their game to a new level under his successor Inzaghi.
Inter have been the strongest team in attack and the second-strongest in defense in Serie A this season, and they have owed this to a style of play which has seen them control possession and control the tempo of matches.
The Nerazzurri use all the outfield players as well as goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in a fluid system which allows them to create chances at will and rarely get outnumbered on the pitch.
Di Biagio is of the view that Inter can thank their current coach for bringing them to this level.
“I was at the stadium for the Supercoppa win,” he said, “and I was impressed by the intensity and quality of Inter’s performance.”
He went on that “They proved to be a very strong team, with excellent physical fitness, a style of play that is fun to watch, and the kind of mental conviction that is typical of great players.”
“The Scudetto under Conte unlocked something in their minds and Simone has done well to very quickly add a new dimension to this team,” he continued, “it doesn’t matter the opponent, they always impose their game and try to prove themselves to be stronger.”
“It’s brilliant watching Inter always manage to attack with eight or nine men,” Di Biagio went on, “with the two central defenders who take up positions in the opposition half and can be on hand to finish or assist.”
“The use of Skriniar and Bastoni in attack has become a very effective weapon,” he added.
Of Bastoni in particular, he stated that “I think Alessandro is one of the best defenders in Europe for his ability to both defend and build up play or attack.”
“Brozo is a symbol of the team’s growth year on year,” he continued.” Spalletti found a new role for him, and he has become irreplaceable – different coaches have come and go but no one can do without him.”
“And the work of the directors in achieving this also deserves credit,” he went on.
“Inzaghi needed one or two months to convey his thoughts and find the right balance,” Di Biagio reflected, “but once things were unlocked, they haven’t stopped moving forward.”
Of the Nerazzurri’s draw away to Atalanta on Sunday, the former midfielder stated that “Bergamo was only one stage of the season, and even though they were not able to win or get on the scoresheet, Inter proved to be still the team to beat.”
“They have quality, physicality, experience, and a winning mentality,” he explained. “Conte gave them a strong base. but the influence of Inzaghi is already clear in this team.”
