Andrea Stramaccioni has given Inter Milan the upper hand on Napoli in what promises to be a nail-biting Scudetto race.
During his recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, the former Nerazzurri boss addressed the enthralling Serie A title race.
Napoli endured the worst title-defending campaign in modern Serie A history last season.
The Partenopei finished tenth, a staggering 41 points adrift of eventual champions Inter.
Determined to right those wrongs, Aurelio De Laurentiis chose ex-Inter boss Antonio Conte to lead the revolution at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
It has been an utter success thus far despite a troublesome start.
Undeterred by a 3-0 thumping at Hellas Verona on the opening Serie A weekend, Napoli have gone on a tear.
Indeed, Conte’s men have only dropped points once in six subsequent league outings to ascend to the top of the standings.
Breathing down their necks are reigning holders Inter.
However, three winless top-flight matches in seven are uncharacteristic for Simone Inzaghi’s team.
As such, they entered October’s international break trailing Napoli by two points.
Yet, the season is long, and there’s plenty of time for Inter to make amends for a disappointing start.
Andrea Sramaccioni Backs Inter Milan to Win the Scudetto Despite Napoli Resurgence Under Antonio Conte
“Napoli has 8/11 of the Italian champions totally regenerated plus three important signings,” Stramaccioni stated.
“They are back to being competitive thanks to Conte.
“But pay attention to the Azzurri’s calendar which presents 40 days of fire at the end of October.
“Inzaghi’s Inter are still my favorites, they have more ‘goal men’, superior age experience, and a better bench.”
Stramaccioni also hailed the meteoric rise of Marcus Thuram at Giuseppe Meazza.
“He went from attacking winger to second striker last season and now the progressive approach to ‘pure 9.’
“Seven goals all from different repertoire show that he can be decisive.”