Legendary former Inter forward Adriano feels that the current Nerazzurri side have enough quality to become champions of Europe.
Speaking to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport in an interview published in today’s print edition, the Brazilian gave the view that Inter can win the Champions League and also named Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Sanchez as the players he expects to be decisive against AC Milan.
Adriano left Inter just before the club completed the famous treble in the 2009-10 season, and so he was unable to get his hands on the Champions League trophy.
However, the 39-year-old still has four Serie A titles under his belt, and was one of the Nerazzurri’s great players from an era of great success.
Adriano not only backs the current edition of Inter to win their second Scudetto in a row, but also believes that they can crown this team by winning Europe’s top competition.
“I think [Inter can defeat Liverpool in the Champions League round of sixteen],” he said, “with commitment and dedication the Nerazzurri have what it takes to become champions of Europe.”
Turning to the Milan derby, the former striker reflected on his favourite clash with AC Milan, naming “The one against my compatriots Dida and Kaka which was just great.”
“We won 3-2 and I scored two goals, one of which in the 47th minute of the second half,” he went on. “It was simply fantastic, a great derby.”
He recalled that “It was a spectacular feeling to score that goal, it’s impossible for me to forget that winning header, which allowed us to defeat our city rivals just as time was running out.”
On the current Nerazzurri’s chances, he said that “This Nerazzurri team has a great chance of winning the Scudetto again this year.”
“As for the match against the Rossoneri,” he continued, “I obviously hope that the Nerazzurri win. But in a game with this importance and special significance, anything can happen.”
He went on that “The Nerazzurri have an excellent team, made up of high-quality players such as Alexis Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez. It has to be said that they have many excellent players.”
Adriano also named Sanchez and Martinez as the players who he “firmly expects” to have the decisive impact in the derby.
Comparing current Inter coach Simone Inzaghi with former coach Antonio Conte, the Brazilian stated that “Simone Inzaghi is an excellent coach, as is Antonio Conte. The results, at least for the moment, are more in favour of Inzaghi.”
Adriano’s son has recently signed for Gremio, and he believes that he can become even better than him, stating that “It’s a possibility that I can’t wait to see happen.”
“Seeing him at Inter would be an honour,” he went on, “and would make me feel incredibly emotional. He has a lot of talent and works hard. I’m sure he will have a brilliant career.”
And the Nerazzurri icon ended with a message to Inter fans, stating that “I thank the Nerazzurri supporters and ask them to keep believing in the potential of this great club, which welcomed me with open arms and to which I will be eternally grateful.”
