Former Inter defender Antonio Paganin feels that at the moment, Edin Dzeko is in too good of form to drop to the bench.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster TMW Radio, via FCInterNews, the former defender also suggested that Milan Skriniar should consider everything that the Nerazzurri have done for him as he weighs up their contract extension offer.
Dzeko proved his class once again with his performance and goal against Napoli yesterday evening.
Despite his age, the Bosnian hardly looked like a backup striker or stopgap solution.
Not only was the 36-year-old’s header close to perfect, but his movement and linkup play was as solid as has come to be expected since he joined Inter from Roma in the summer of 2021.
As far as Paganin is concerned, there is little argument for dropping Dzeko to the bench for as long as he is playing as well as he has been.
“Right now it would be difficult for Inzaghi to drop Dzeko to the bench to give his spot to Lukaku, based on his performances,” the former defender argued.
As far as who should play alongside Dzeko at the moment, he argued “Definitely Lautaro right now.”
“Lukaku doesn’t seem to have enough form to be decisive,” he continued.
“He still doesn’t have the kind of preparations he needs in his legs, given his injuries and the World Cup,” Paganin argued of the Belgian striker.
“I don’t know if Inter will be able to be patient with him, because right now they need to focus on whoever can immediately contribute.”
And regarding Skriniar’s contract extension talks, Paganin said that “I don’t think Inter can risk going much further with their offer.”
“Not so much because of the Slovak’s case specifically, but because then there would be the risk that a lot of other requests would come in for similarly big contracts,” he added.
“Milan have been among the first teams to adopt this approach.”
“I think Skriniar should also think about how much Inter have done for him,” he added.
“Look at Kessie as well, someone who wanted to leave, and now immediately wants to return.”
