Former Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has placed high expectations ahead of Scudetto-winning coach Simone Inzaghi.

During a lengthy interview with LuckyBlock.com via FCInterNews, Materazzi compared the Nerazzurri boss with iconic Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Materazzi also discussed the ongoing developments in Serie A.

“The surprise players for me this season have been Nuno Tavares at Lazio,” he said.

“Francisco Conceicao at Juventus, and I have to say Marcus Thuram because he is the one who has scored the most goals.”

The treble winner with Jose Mourinho’s famous generation in 2010 addressed Inter’s UEFA Champions League chances.

“Inter can win the Champions League this season because they have shown that they have a mentality that works in Europe.

“They lost the final two years ago, but now the atmosphere in the stadium is really good.

“And the new format could be their chance to change everything.

“Inter’s biggest competitor in the tournament is Manchester City, they have injuries.

“But those players are also resting, when they come back it could help them.”

He also backs Mourinho to move to international management after his adventure at Fenerbahce.

“One day José Mourinho could become the coach of Italy.

“In football, you never know, but I think he will be the coach of Portugal first.”

Materazzi naturally placed Inter ahead of AC Milan and Juventus in a never-ending debate.

“I have respect for Milan and Juventus, but the biggest club in Italy is Inter,” he was adamant.

“With Inter it’s different, it’s a family. It’s not easy to explain, but once you’ve been in the club you feel it.

“I’ve been there for 10 years and I don’t think there’s anything like it.”

Marco Materazzi Hopes Simone Inzaghi Can Become Sir Alex Ferguson of Inter Milan

“I would like to see Simone Inzaghi on the bench at Inter for many years to come,” he added.

“He could be the Inter version of Sir Alex Ferguson.”

Materazzi pointed out Inzaghi’s longevity.

“He has been at Inter for almost four years, after spending five years at Lazio, and is highly respected.

“He has a great group of players to work with.

“If he were to leave, Inter would have to consider Pep Guardiola, maybe they could exchange jobs. In football, you never know.”

But if Inzaghi leaves Inter at some point, Materazzi would see the Manchester City boss in his place.

“Pep Guardiola has won in Spain, Germany, and England, so maybe the next landings for him will be France or Italy.

“If he is in Italy he could be with Inter.”

San Siro Project & Lautaro Martinez Premier League Speculation

Materazzi is desperate for Inter and Milan to stay at San Siro.

“I hope they will never leave San Siro. For me, San Siro is the home of football.

“It has so much history and leaving will not be good for the club, they want to make more money but I think they can stay and use it for other events.

“It would be sad to leave because of all the memories, I think they should follow what Real Madrid did with the Bernabeu.

“Maybe we can do it too? Why not?”

Meanwhile, he also delivered his verdict on Lautaro Martinez’s potential transfer to the Premier League.

“Lautaro Martinez has won the World Cup, Copa America, Serie A, and has not stopped in the last three years.

“Maybe he hasn’t scored as many goals as usual at the moment, but he always helps the team.

“Lautaro can play in any league, Premier League, Bundesliga. He is a world-class player.

“He is the captain of Inter and will return to being strong and fit and scoring goals.

“If I had to give a message to the Premier League clubs, it would be not to get close to our captain.”