Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni describes Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi as a great manager as well as a friend, while also discussing Lautaro Martinez.

The 2022 World Cup-winning manager is familiar with both men.

Scaloni and Inzaghi were teammates at Lazio between 2007 and 2010. However, they’re both enjoying success on a much larger scale with their roles on the sidelines. The duo managed to achieve great feats despite their relatively young managerial careers.

The Argentine is currently in Dubai to attend the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony.

Scaloni feels that his chances of winning the Best Manager of the Year are slim, but he takes the opportunity to praise his colleagues, including Inzaghi.

“It will be hard for me to win the award,” laughs the 45-year-old in his interview with Sky Sport Italia via FcInterNews,

“Inzaghi is a great coach, as well as a great friend. I’m happy to be among the candidates with him, Guardiola and Spalletti.

“But in the end, it’s football that wins, the game that we all love.”

This evening, Inter will take on Lazio in the semi-final of the Italian Super Cup. Scaloni admits that the capital side remains in his heart, but suggests the Nerazzurri as the better-equipped side.

“It’s a tough one. I still carry Lazio in my heart. But it’s a difficult match. Inter are very strong and have found a very effective way of playing.

“They play good football, but they also defend well. It’s difficult to beat them. I expect a good battle.”

Argentina Coach Luciano Spalletti Praise Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi & Lautaro Martinez

Scaloni also opened up on his Argentina pupil Lautaro Martinez.

The 26-year-old has been on splendid form for the Nerazzurri this season, and his national team manager feels that he’s the one carrying the club at the moment.

“Lautaro is now taking the team on his shoulders. I think his time has come. He knows that Inter depend quite a lot on him.

“Perhaps a few years ago he had more renowned teammates by his side, so he had fewer duties.

“But Inter has become carved in his heart because the club opened him the doors to Europe. He has become stronger and more mature

“In Argentina, we love him so much because he is a respectable lad who has always given us a lot, even when he wasn’t at his best condition.

“I will always thank him for the contribution he gave us.”