Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Daniele Padelli recalls his time under the guidance of Antonio Conte while also discussing his Udinese teammate Lazar Samardzic.
The 37-year-old represented a host of clubs during his playing career, including Sampdoria, Torino and even had a brief loan spell at Liverpool in 2007.
Following a solid stint with the Granata, Inter signed the Italian in the summer of 2017. He spent four campaigns at the club, serving as an understudy for former captain Samir Handanovic.
In 2021, Padelli returned for a second spell at Udinese. He’s currently a teammate of Samardzic who was on the cusp of joining the Nerazzurri in the summer.
The 21-year-old completed his medicals with Inter but the deal collapsed when his father Mladen arrived at the club’s headquarters asking to review the personal terms that Inter had agreed with agent Rafaela Pimenta.
Padelli argues that staying at the Friulian club is a good thing for the Serbian’s career.
“I would have been happy anyway. Had Lazar joined Inter, I would have followed him there too,” said the veteran custodian in his interview with Radio TV Serie A via FcInterNews.
“I have been an Inter fan since I was a child. I’m very happy that he stayed here because he has great qualities and will be able to develop even better.
“He is aware of the fact that staying in Udine for another year was the right choice to be able to explode even more. This club can be a great launching pad for him.”
Ex-Inter Milan Goalkeeper Daniele Padelli Heaps Praise On Teammate Lazar Samardzic And Former Coach Antonio Conte
On another note, Padelli recalls Antonio Conte’s time at Inter. He says the former Italy manager is a born winner.
“Conte is very strong in every aspect. He is methodical and takes care of every single detail.
“He was born to coach and be in command, he must have everything under control.
“Mentally he’s very strong and manages to transmit his strength to the team. He is a force that I have rarely seen in football.
“Antonio is also very technically prepared. He was born to win and I hope to see him in the dugout soon.
“I don’t know where he’ll end up, but whichever club signs him is very likely to win a trophy.”
