Inter Vice-President, Javier Zanetti, gave an exclusive interview to FIFA.com, speaking broadly about Argentina’s chances in next summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia as well as specifically about the inclusion of Nerazzurri captain Mauro Icardi into the Albiceleste set-up.
You mentioned the upheaval during the campaign, which is epitomised by the situation at centre-forward. Gabriel Batistuta was a nailed-on starter in attack in his day, as was Hernan Crespo later. Things are different now…
“There’s been a lot of change in personnel. Until recently, Gonzalo Higuain was the undisputed No9. Now Mauro Icardi has got his chance, which is richly deserved because of what he’s doing for Inter. Mauro can be useful for the national team, but that doesn’t mean Higuain shouldn’t be in the squad. Argentina are lucky enough to have an embarrassment of riches up front, from Pipita to Icardi, Dybala, Messi and so on. They’ve got so many options. I hope they can all go to the World Cup because they’d give the squad great strength in depth.”
Javier Zanetti played a total of 143 matches for the Argentina national team and has represented the, at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups.
