Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi spoke about Inter and their title race with Juventus and Lazio in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I believe that, with the new purchases all approved by the coach and therefore functional to his game project, Inter have shortened the distance from Juventus. Already in the first half of the season the two teams were very close, now they are even closer. The Nerazzurri will fight them all the way for the Scudetto.”

The 73-year-old Italian then spoke about Juventus and touched on Lazio’s involvement in the fight.

“Juve have great players, there’s no doubt about that, but the sum of their qualities still doesn’t make a team of the highest level. Lazio start with a handicap because they don’t have the history of Inter and Juventus, and history, believe me, is important when aiming for an important goal like the Scudetto.”

Sacchi believed that the next Derby d’Italia would be crucial in the title race.

“The game between Juventus and Inter will say something more about the title race, there is no discussion about that, but in this period, it is necessary to find a balance in the performances.”

The former AC Milan coach discussed Inter’s top January signing, Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen.

“It would be natural to say that Eriksen will be a key player, but I am curious and suspicious, I wonder, why did Tottenham sell him? Seems weird to me. Surely he has important qualities and he can be very useful to Inter.”

Finally, Sacchi spoke about which player he would have signed and how that player will help the Rossoneri.

“However, if I have to choose a player who can make a difference, I would choose Ibrahimovic. It seems to me that, while not doing extraordinary things, Ibrahimovic has given courage to his team-mates and personality to the whole team.”

Inter are currently three points behind rivals and reigning champions Juventus. The Nerazzurri have suffered from a period of poor form in the league, drawing their last three games. Juventus, on the other hand, have won four out of their last five, only losing their last game against Napoli. Lazio are two points behind Inter, but have a game in hand.