Claudio Marchisio feels that Inter Milan are still the strongest team in Serie A, but that Juventus are catching up.
The legendary former Bianconeri and Italy midfielder spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.
Last season, Inter held off the challenge of Juventus in decisive fashion.
During the fall, the Bianconeri pushed the Nerazzurri every step of the way in the Serie A title race.
But Juventus were unable to sustain that pressure.
Starting in the second half of January, the Turin giants fell away in the table.
The Old Lady’s collapse in form came just as Inter were starting to get to their most consistent.
The Nerazzurri finished twenty points clear of Juventus, who in fact fell behind AC Milan in the table.
Marchisio: “Inter Still The Strongest Team In Serie A, But Juventus Catching Up”
Given the above, it is perhaps no surprise that Inter and Juventus took different approaches in the summer.
The Nerazzurri’s priority was to keep last season’s team together.
All of the regular starters from last campaign remained. As did coach Simone Inzaghi.
In terms of signings Inter bolstered their squad with the free transfer signings of Mehdi Taremi and Piotr Zielinski, but didn’t make sweeping changes.
Juventus, on the other hand, changed coaches. Max Allegri headed for the exit door, and Thiago Motta took his place.
And it was a summer of many arrivals and departures for the Bianconeri.
Juventus spent big to try and give Motta a squad that can compete with Inter.
Marchisio argued that Juventus “Invested a lot. But they need to in view of a return to the Champions League.”
“Inter are still the strongest team in the league,” the former midfielder continued.
“But Juventus are starting to catch up because of the business they did in the transfer window.”