Legendary former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi feels both Inter Milan and Juventus have strengths and weaknesses in the Serie A title race.
The former coach wrote about the pair in his column in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. He argued that the Nerazzurri must press more effectively.
One thing now looks clear in Serie A. That it will come down to a title race between Inter and Juventus.
AC Milan are, barely, in touching distance. And then other teams are already miles behind.
Meanwhile, just two points separate the two teams at the top of the table.
So it could really be the details that make the difference.
In the view of former Rossoneri coach Sacchi, both Inter and Juventus are where they are on merit. But neither is a team without their flaws.
Arrigo Sacchi Compares Inter & Juventus In Serie A Title Race
“Inter have a clear idea of how they want to play that they try to implement,” Sacchi writes.
“But they’re missing one thing: pressing.”
“Thus, on Saturday at the San Siro, Verona were able to move the ball from their own penalty area and half of the pitch calmly, without being opposed.”
“The Nerazzurri closed down well to try and start counterattacks,” he continues.
“But I have to say: Wouldn’t it be better to press more in the attacking areas?”
“This way they would create serious problems for the opposition,” Sacchi writes. “It would cause confusion, and force them to play at a frenetic tempo.”
“Furthermore, and this is no small matter, the opposition would lose certainty and self-belief, they would be afraid to make even the simplest pass.”
“And Inter could benefit from this attitude,” the former Milan coach argues. “They would become even more euphoric and unpredictable.”
“However, I’ve noticed that the three midfielders often arrive late when it comes to pressing,” he goes on. “And so they get bypassed.”
“But this is a mistake they must correct,” Sacchi argues. “Otherwise they’re taking a risk.”
And Sacchi also analyzed Juventus’s win over Salernitana yesterday.
“In Salerno they were also lucky,” he writes.
“But they showed a compactness and solidity, especially in defence, which are truly impressive.”
Sacchi argues that “Congratulations should be given to Allegri. Because he’s also working with youngsters. He gives them confidence”
“He gives them opportunities, and is repaid with excellent performances.”
Sacchi writes that “In my opinion, Juve is doing more than what one might have thought at the beginning of the season.”
“Furthermore, they aren’t participating in European cup competitions,” the former coach notes.
“And this is a big advantage in the run-in for the Scudetto.”
