Former Inter goalkeeper Marco Ballotta discussed the Nerazzurri’s season last year, their moves in the transfer market and next season’s title race in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInter1908 yesterday.

First, he spoke about the Nerazzurri’s campaign last season.

“In the end it is positive. Perhaps, managed in a different way, they could have done even better. Some discontent was not managed in the best way, but still it remains positive.

“The first season in a team is never easy. He had always won in the first year, but I think that the last season may have been useful to understand what this Inter needs to fight with Juventus.”

The 56-year-old Italian was not particularly impressed with coach Antonio Conte’s outbursts in the media.

“Had I been in management, I would have certainly resented it a bit. It always depends on how the club sees it, because with what he said it is always a moment to make a decision.

“There is not only yourself, you have to take into account the others too. It’s football, you can be there. If everything went well, it means that his words were not as harmful as they might have seemed.”

The former Nerazzurri goalkeeper thought that Conte was the right man for the job at Inter.

“I think so, because despite everything I see that the players follow him in the right way. This is the most important thing. If the players follow you, it means that you have the right things to manage the team.

“You have to understand if this squad is up to it, or if you have to do something in the market, as they are doing. In any case, a year more knowledge between coach and team is always important.

“Already last season Inter managed to get very close to Juventus.”

Ballotta thought that the acquisition of Arturo Vidal will be good to strengthen the squad, despite his older age.

“In my opinion yes, if he arrives with the right head and as a professional. He is a player of a certain level and he can certainly make a difference and make a big contribution to Inter.”

He thought that it might be worth reintegrating Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan back into the squad.

“It always depends on off the pitch things. If Nainggolan comes back with the right mentality, he is a player who has shown great qualities.

“Players like that, with those qualities, should not have ups and downs, but regularity.”

The Italian was disappointed with the performances of Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen and suggested that he may not be the best fit for Inter.

“It’s a bit of a delicate point, he’s not completely understood. It is not clear if the expectations were too high, or if he did not feel comfortable or if he did not have the necessary confidence.

“There are players who need full confidence. He may not be suitable for our football and Inter, but Conte and the Nerazzurri wanted him very much.

“The club has spent to get him, but I think he has not found the right environment, because he is certainly not the last to arrive.”

The former Inter shot stopper was happy that captain Samir Handanovic was renewing his contract and highlighted the Slovenian’s strengths still.

“I think he is still at the height of his strength and he has shown it again this year as in the last 5-6 years. One must always consider possible replacements, it’s not like there are a thousand top level goalkeepers around.

“Handanovic is still up to the task without any problems and, for at least a couple of years, I think he can perform at a high level. He is not 40, a goalkeeper at that age is still in his prime.”

He was a fan of Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, who could possibly be the long-term replacement for Handanovic.

“He’s a keeper I like very much.

“In my opinion, already in Napoli the alternating with Ospina was not good for him, he needs to play a couple of seasons as a permanent starter to be able to explode definitively. He can play in big teams without problems.”

Ballotta believes that the Nerazzurri have a good chance of beating Juventus for the league title next season.

“We will see how the market will go, but in my opinion, they can start as equals. At Juventus, there have been important changes, it’s an unknown situation.

“In my opinion Inter can play them on equal terms. It was important to continue with Conte, otherwise starting again with another cycle would have given advantages to Juventus.

“Conte, with all the problems of what happened, begins to know the strengths and weaknesses of the players and knows where to fill some gaps.”

The Italian commented on his time with the Nerazzurri.

“I had a year of ups and downs. I have good memories, even if it was only a year. I played a few games, I was sorry to leave so quickly. It’s football. I am satisfied to have played for Inter.”

Finally, Ballota confirmed that there was never really an opportunity for him to return to Inter.

“No, to tell the truth, there never was. There have been contacts for Inter Forever, but never anything on a technical level.”