Former Inter midfielder Nicola Berti has said that Inter vs Fiorentina is the most decisive match in terms of the Serie A title race, according to a report in the Italian print media today.
Speaking during an interview with Tuttosport, Nicola Berti explained that given Inter’s match after the international break is against Juventus, they simply must beat Fiorentina on Saturday night.
“In my opinion Inter-Fiorentina is the most decisive match, at least as far as Inzaghi’s players are concerned. After the break, the Italian champions will have to face Juventus in Turin, so it is essential to beat La Viola.
“For me it is absolutely mandatory to win. Otherwise afterwards it becomes hard for the Scudetto.”
Inter have been in a negative run of form ever since they lost the derby against AC Milan. Nicola Berti thinks that if Inter had taken their chances in the first half, they would not be in this position.
“Everything comes from the derby. We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at the end of the first half against Milan and there would have been nothing to say. Then incredibly we lost the derby. From there the decline began.”
Nicola Berti thinks that Simone Inzaghi does not have much choice when it comes to switching things up to try and break out of the poor run.
“Simone doesn’t have that much choice. As long as things go well, you don’t see many small flaws that still exist. I think of a team to be better and rejuvenated, even if in general they have practically nothing wrong.
“But the squad needs to be strengthened, a sprinkle of youth is needed. And I’m sure what I’m telling you will happen.”
Nicolo Barella has come under criticism recently for his performances but Nicola Berti feels that he is a world-class player who always gives 100% on the pitch.
“I was not wrong when I indicated him as my heir. He is someone who always gives his best on the pitch. He puts his soul and body into it. He is very strong, one who has shown on the pitch that he is a world-class player, as well as a leader.”
When asked whether Milan Skriniar or Nicolo Barella should be the Inter captain in the future, Nicola Berti chose the midfielder despite having clear admiration for Milan Skriniar.
“The Slovakian defender would be worthy of wearing the armband. He is a correct, precise, Inter player. But I am sticking with Barella, absolutely.”
Nicola Berti feels that Lautaro Martinez can be the key player for Inter at the end of the season if he continues to get out of his bad form.
“I always bet on Lautaro, he has been missing despite the hat-trick against Salernitana but I expect him to blossom again in a definitive and continuous way. He has to solve the situation. And he has the means to do it.”
