Legendary AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban envisions a prosperous Inter Milan run in Europe and expects Piotr Zielinski to deliver the goods.
The 55-year-old still sees Real Madrid and Manchester City as the favorites to clinch the Champions League.
Nevertheless, he insists the Nerazzurri aren’t too far behind, unlike the other Serie A representatives.
“I would go for the usual two favorites, Real Madrid and Man City,” said the Croatian in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews.
“Inter has shown that they can compete with everyone, I don’t see the other Italian clubs at the same level.”
Aside from the Nerazzurri, four other Serie A clubs will take part in Europe’s elite club competition. These are AC Milan, Juventus, Atalanta and Bologna.
Therefore, Boban is certain Inter are the favorites to retain their Scudetto title.
“Absolutely yes, Inter are the favorites. They are the strongest and have the most complete squad.”
Boban Discusses Inter Milan Champions League Chances, Piotr Zielinski & Lautaro Martinez
The former AC Milan director also discussed the competition for starting roles in Simone Inzaghi’s midfield department.
He expects Piotr Zielinski to earn more playing time than Davide Frattesi, hinting he could unsettle Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“Frattesi is not a true box-to-box player. So I think he will find less space than Zielinski who is perfect for Inzaghi’s game.
“Mkhitaryan is doing well, but he is a second striker who adapted to the midfield role.”
Finally, Boban urged Lautaro Martinez to take the final step to becoming a bona fide great.
“Lautaro is very strong, a top player. There aren’t many like him, but he still has to prove his qualities at the highest international levels.
“In other words, he should be decisive in the most important matches and become indispensable for Argentina. Then he can be considered a true great.”