Former Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga has said that Denzel Dumfries vs Theo Hernandez is one of the best duels in the league, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Saturday’s derby match between Inter and AC Milan, the former goalkeeper discussed some of the specific battles that will be taking place on the pitch.
He pointed out the similarity between today’s game and those from when he was a player and Andreas Brehme was up against Donadoni at full-back.
“As were my derbies: on one side there was Brehme against Donadoni, today there is Dumfries against Theo or Barella against Tonali.
“The derby has always been many challenges in the same match, but then each team has its own qualities and priorities, which in Milan can be a little more quality of play, while Inter – despite having quality – have always been more physical.
“History says it: Inter have been linked with Argentine and German players, Milan with Brazilians and Dutch.”
He then singled out the battle on Inter’s right wing between Denzel Dumfries and Theo Hernandez as one to keep an eye on.
“Dumfries-Theo is one of the most beautiful duels in the entire league, but I’m also intrigued by the quality challenge between De Ketelaere and Calhanoglu.”
Lautaro Martinez is expected to be a key player in the derby and Walter Zengais clearly a fan of his.
“Ten goals in the last eleven league games, he is scoring and let’s hope – as an Inter fan – he can keep it up in the derby too.”
As a former goalkeeper, he was asked if Samir Handanovic will be struggling with the pressure of Andre Onana being at the club.
“There is no suffering, you have to understand that clubs make purchases with the future in mind. Handanovic is his age and sooner or later he will have to stop, so the arrival of Onana, for free, was a very intelligent investment.
“Samir is a performance goalkeeper, who gives you security. Onana is a very responsive, spectacular goalkeeper: he will have his space in due course.”
On Inter’s form so far: “They haven’t started badly, but this is an atypical league: it started early and has so many close games and they will all have ups and downs. Even now, no team is still on full points.
“Lukaku’s absence weighs heavily, he could be a source of attacking depth, and this is a small disadvantage for Inter. Romelu cannot be discussed as an offensive terminal, he gives you strength and depth: together with Lautaro he forms one of the best attacking pairs in the world.”
