Lecce coach and former Napoli defender Marco Baroni has claimed he would like Argentina to win the World Cup, and is curious to see how Inter striker Lautaro Martinez plays.
The tournament in Qatar kicks off today and Argentina arrive as one of the favourites, having lifted the Copa America last year and are currently enjoying a 36-match unbeaten run stretching to 2019.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere dello Sport, the former Roma and Udinese defender declared that he would cheer on Argentina in Italy’s absence, particularly following the death of Albiceleste icon and ex-Napoli teammate Diego Maradona in 2020.
“I would like Argentina to be champions, firstly because it’s the first World Cup since the death of my friend Diego Maradona,” Baroni said.
The 59-year-old was keen to see Martinez link up with Lionel Messi and Juventus’ Angel Di Maria, whilst felt that a winter World Cup with limited time for team preparation could play into Argentina’s hands.
“Secondly because I’m curious to see this all-quality 4-3-3 with Di Maria, Lautaro and Messi,” he continued.
“Finally, since there’s been no time to prepare, it will be a World Cup where the individual will make the difference, and Argentina excel in this sense.”
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, before facing Mexico and Poland in Group C.
