Former Lazio coach Sven Goran Eriksson has said that it is impossible not to miss Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi but he still backs Simone Inzaghi to win the Serie A title, according to a report in the Italian media today.

Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swedish former coach admitted that any coach would notice losing two players of Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi’s quality but Simone Inzaghi has created a positive atmosphere at Inter.

“Never forget the importance that Hakimi and above all Lukaku had in this team, one of my all-time favourite strikers even though he is not playing much for Chelsea now.

“Even if you replace them, it is impossible to think that you will not miss them. The difference is made by the atmosphere that the coach has created in the locker room.”

Sven Goran Eriksson knows Simone Inzaghi well from their shared time at Lazio and he has every faith that the Inter boss can deliver the title this season.

“Simone Inzaghi can still do it without problems, as long as he remains himself. He is always the master of his own destiny. And the first few months have said that Simone’s style works and leads to victory.”

Expanding more on Simone Inzaghi’s style, Sven Goran Eriksson focussed on the positive and happy way that Inter play the game this season.

“A beautiful, happy game, a team that defends by attacking and serves the two at the front, Lautaro and Dzeko.

“Simone has given an imprint and gives space to improvisation always within a precise tactical organisation. This does not disappear if you hit some bad form.

“In a season, difficulties always happen and what makes the difference is how you react when things don’t go the way you want them to.”

Inter are now four points behind AC Milan in the Serie A title race but they do have a game in hand. Sven Goran Eriksson thinks Simone Inzaghi must tune out everything and focus on the job in hand.

“My advice is to buy some beautiful headphones, wear them and isolate yourself from the rest. Which does not mean not listening to advice or even criticism, but moving forward on your own path.

“For example, the Champions League has told us a lot: how many other teams can win at Anfield by playing in that way?”

Sven Goran Eriksson thinks that Lazio’s Scudetto win in 2000 can guide Simone Inzaghi during the rest of the season.

“In the year of the Scudetto in 2000 we recovered 9 points, a little at a time, with confidence and patience.

“This time Simone is not as far behind, it should be easier. For sure, the memory of that experience can guide him.”