Italian journalist Sandro Piccinini believes that Inter striker Edin Dzeko has been unfairly criticized for his performances since joining the Nerazzurri over the summer.
Speaking to Italian news outlet L’Interista, Piccinini gave his thoughts on where the Nerazzurri find themselves a few matches into the season, suggesting that there is reason for optimism and singling Dzeko out for praise.
Inter endured a tough summer transfer window, losing key players and having to find new arrivals with limited resources, but so far their performances have been strong to begin the season despite mixed results.
Dzeko joined from Roma as the club looked to reinforce their attack, and has been an ever-present in manager Simone Inzaghi’s starting elevens, and Piccinini believes that the 35-year-old has acquitted himself well and done the job that he was brought in to do.
Piccinini commentated on the Nerazzurri’s 1-0 loss to Real Madrid at the San Siro for Amazon Prime, and he believes that “It was important, but in a positive sense despite the defeat. In these cases, performance counts, it increases self-belief, given that Inter is still under construction. It is important that you believe in the work, in Inzaghi’s ideas, in the new philosophy. This has been evident. A team in tune with the coach.”
Regarding the knockout rounds he predicted that “There should be no problems for qualification. I think Inter are superior to both Shakhtar and Sheriff.”
“Having said that, the history of the Champions League teaches us that nothing can be taken for granted, everything depends on Inter. But the chances of qualification this time around are high,” was Piccini’s verdict.
Regarding Dzeko he said, “I do not understand the criticisms of Dzeko. He may not have played his best game, as we saw. But he was up against Real Madrid, it can happen.”
“I still think he is a great player,” Piccini continued, “despite his age and despite the fact that he can’t. be the same player he was 6-7 years ago, of course. But I think he will make an important contribution.”
Of the Serie A title race he said, “I believe that Inter and Milan have something more than the others, without forgetting Napoli, and the possible recovery of Juventus. On paper, also taking into consideration style of play, the squad depth, the harmony of the team, the two Milanese are ahead of their rivals.”
