Despite Tuesday’s win over RB Salzburg, Inter Milan didn’t impress legendary Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi.
The Nerazzurri earned a 2-1 win over the Austrian foes in the third matchday of the Champions League group stage.
Simone Inzaghi’s men are now on the right path towards the knockout stages. However, the former AC Milan manager still found holes in their game.
The 77-year-old had few positive things to say about the Italian clubs’ most recent UCL performances.
On Wednesday, Lazio and Milan suffered painful defeats at the hands of Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Even though Inter and Napoli came away with all three points on Tuesday, Sacchi warned that such displays won’t take them long in the competition.
“Napoli and Inter won on Tuesday. Everyone is happy because qualification for the round of 16 is closer for both teams,” said the former Italy boss in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column via FcInter1908.
“But let’s ask ourselves: How did they win? Did they dominate their opponent? No. Did they have fun? Not exactly.
“Inter played against Salzburg, a team largely made up of kids born in the 2000s, yet they suffered and, most likely, will also suffer in the return match in Austria.
“Why? The Nerazzurri have great technical and athletic qualities, and they have a lot of experience, however, they play a rather approximate football.
“They have considerable potential, this is clear for all to see, but the players often play on their own.
“For example, their pressing game doesn’t exist. Once the action is over, everyone returns to defense.
“Logically, by doing so, you invite your opponent into your areas. Unfortunately, Inter still plays incomplete football. It’s not of European standard.”
Arrigo Sacchi Urges Inter Milan Manager Simone Inzaghi To Evolve His Game
Despite the criticism, Sacchi reserved words of praise for Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. However, he invites him to adopt a more progressive style of play.
“Inter came second last season, which was a great result. But now, the Nerazzurri have a duty to improve.
“Simone Inzaghi, a coach who gives his heart and works very hard (and I say this because I have known him for a long time), must be able to make a leap forward.
“For now, he is very good based on old football. I would like to see an evolution, that we seek to dominate the game and, consequently, the opponent.
“Football, I will never tire of saying it, is an offensive and team sport, while we in Italy still conceive of it as a defensive and individual sport. This is the real problem.”
