Former Inter and Juventus boss Marcello Lippi does not believe tomorrow’s Derby d’Italia will have a decisive impact on this season’s Serie A title race.
Lippi won five Scudetti during two spells in charge of the Bianconeri, with a far less successful 12-month spell coaching the Nerazzurri in the middle.
In an interview with Tuttosport ahead of big match at San Siro, the 2006 World Cup winner started by assessing the relative strengths of his successors Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo, both of whom he coached during his time in Italy.
“They are two boys with very great intelligence, always very attentive to what was happening around them, both in training and in matches,” he explained.
“They are two people who understand football and therefore can explain and teach it.
“Conte always has had that maniacal application which he now puts into his coaching job; Pirlo has always been a perfectionist with an excellent reading of the game.”
Next the former Inter and Juventus coach was asked how Sunday’s match could impact the race for the Serie A title this season.
“Not a lot in terms of points: even if Inter were to win and extend the current gap, there are still too many games to be played.
“In terms of mental growth, winning or losing can make a difference.
“Inter are ahead, because Conte has been there since last year, he has improved and perfected things and placed the right pieces in the right places.
“Andrea is making a radical change, he is creating a new approach, tries to play differently and it seems to me that he is starting to reap the first fruits.
“It will be a wonderful match.”
Lippi proceeded to admit that there is no comparison that can be made between his time as Inter coach and Conte’s time in charge of the Nerazzurri club.
“My difficulties were represented by the fact that I had found a team that needed completely rebuilt, having finished in 8th place the year before and having had four coaches in a single season.
“I don’t think it can be said that moving from Juventus to Inter is difficult regardless.
“Just think of what Giovanni Trapattoni did, he won a record Scudetto at Inter.”
Lippi then spoke on Inter forward Romelu Lukaku and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Perhaps both sides are a little too dependent on one man,” he suggested.
“Without those two players the potential of the two teams decreases considerably.
“On the other hand, they are remarkable champions.”
The former Chinese national team coach then concluded by discussing whether one of the two of them could be the one that decides the outcome of the match at San Siro.
“Will they decide match? The fact that they are fundamental for the two teams does not necessarily mean that they will decide the direct match.
“In fact, usually these games have unexpected protagonists.”
