Former Spezia coach Luigi Cagni discussed tomorrow’s Serie A clash between the Ligurian side and Inter in an interview with Italian media outlet PassioneInter.com earlier today.
First, he commented on the surprisingly solid start to the season under coach Vincenzo Italiano.
“It is a surprise, I respect Italiano. I know him well because he was one of my players, he has already won two league titles, he has changed many players compared to last season and despite this he is doing great things, so it means that there are the skills.
“The Ligurian team is an organized one, even if they risk a bit because they tends to play very attacking football.”
He did not think that the Milanese club had too much to fear in tomorrow’s encounter.
“Let’s be clear, Inter should not worry about Spezia. However, they must not take the field thinking that they have already won the game, because you have to respect everyone.
“But the reality is that there are many experienced Nerazzurri players, who will challenge youngsters with very little experience in Serie A. Despite everything, Italiano’s men will try to put Conte’s men in trouble.”
Cagni touched on how Inter coach Antonio Conte has seemingly turned around the Nerazzurri’s season, after a sluggish start.
“As I said at the beginning of the season, there was a period where the defense didn’t work, if you have three defenders you can’t have forward wingers and an offensive midfield, because otherwise those playing at the back will have difficulty.
“Conte understood this and changed. Then it depends on the opponent, with mid-table teams you can risk something more, but on other occasions you have to be careful.”
The Italian discussed how Conte has been criticised for signing experienced veterans, even if he has developed some youth players like Alessandro Bastoni.
“When you join a club like Inter and you have only one goal, winning, then you can’t have too many youngsters. You need quality players to fight, around them you put players who can grow.
“I remember when I went to see Guardiola in Barcelona, and he told me one thing, he wanted sixteen players of great quality and then five or six to develop. I think that’s the right key.”
He thought that the Nerazzurri may have an advantage in the title race due to their lack of commitments in Europe. Conte’s side were eliminated from the Champions League earlier this month after finishing bottom of their group.
“Nothing will change until February, however, titles are won and lost in the last eight games. Training for a whole week, with a strong squad like the Nerazzurri’s, is undoubtedly a great advantage.”
Finally, Cagni touched on what Inter should look to achieve in the upcoming January transfer window.
“In my opinion the first thing to do is to send away players that don’t suit Conte, I’m thinking of people like Eriksen, Nainggolan and Vecino.
“Then we need a back-up striker to give Lukaku breathing space, because the coach needs a striker with those characteristics for his game.”