Former Inter striker Antonio Cassano was full of praise for midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu’s performance in the 3-0 win over AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana on Wednesday.
The Turkey international excelled in a deeper midfield role against his former team in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, as Inter lifted the first piece of a silverware with a resounding victory over their bitter rivals.
Speaking on the Twitch stream of former Inter striker Christian Vieri, Bobo TV, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Cassano argued that Calhanoglu had proven himself a capable replacement for Marcelo Brozovic, and that the Croatia international could be sold without fear.
“I enjoyed it because Calhanoglu was one of the best players on the pitch, in front of the defence,” ex-Roma and Milan striker Cassano declared.
With Brozovic being linked with a move to Barcelona in exchange for Franck Kessie, Cassano argued that Inter already had his replacement in the form of Calhanoglu.
“He played an incredible game, in fact now rumours are starting to circulate of Brozovic’s departure, of an exchange.
“It means that the club considers him a real option in that role. He proved to be strong from start to finish with that display, the Super Cup is well deserved.”
Calhanoglu has filled in for Brozovic in a deep-lying midfield role for much of this season, with the Croatian struggling with injuries.
Cassano joined Inter from Milan in 2012 and spent one season at the Nerazzurri before moving on to Parma.