Former Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica is confident that Inter will qualify for the Champions League next season via a top four finish in Serie A.
Simone Inzaghi’s side are second but trail Napoli by an almost unassailable 18 points, leaving them focused on holding off competition from AC Milan, Roma, Atalanta, and Lazio in making up the remainder of the qualifiers for the Champions League.
In an interview with Italian radio station TMW Radio earlier today, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Aronica argued that former Inter coach Luciano Spalletti had made the difference for Napoli in their pursuit of a first league title since 1990.
“This is a Napoli side that picks up points everywhere with great performances. Spalletti has managed to restore a group in which there are no starters, whoever plays is considered an integral part of the group,” the 45-year-old claimed.
“Spalletti counts for a lot. The players know that they enjoy his trust. The coach has managed to create a group and has allowed everyone to make the right contribution on the pitch because everyone feels important.”
Meanwhile, Aronica suggested that Inter would be joined in the top four by Milan and Roma, with the latter being led by another former Nerazzurri coach in Jose Mourinho.
“Who do I see as favourites for fourth place? I would be cautious about what is happening at Juve, making predictions today is difficult.
“Atalanta are inconsistent, it will be between Roma and Lazio. I see Napoli, then Inter and Milan will come back strongly. In the end Roma will get the better of Lazio. Mourinho will make the difference.
Inter hold a 1-0 advantage over Porto in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie, whilst Milan won by the same score against Tottenham Hotspur, but Aronica felt Inter had a better chance of progressing.
“In the Champions League it is difficult to make predictions. Milan could have a few more problems knowing how well Conte knows the Italian league. It will be a very tough match for the Rossoneri,” he concluded.
Aronica joined Napoli from Reggina in 2008 and made 111 appearances for the Partenopei.
