Former Inter defender Lucio believes Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi is “part of the great tradition of Italian coaches.” The one-time Brazilian international was previewing the upcoming Milan derby in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, and took a critical look at his former side, evaluating their various strengths and weaknesses:
Lucio, did you see the match against City?
“How many teams are capable of going there and playing in that manner? When I say play, I mean both defending and attacking. At City’s home, it can happen to lose and often concede at least one goal, and instead Inter came out on par against one of the strongest teams in Europe.”
And what does this teach for the rest of the season?
“It means that the team can play on two competitions. They have the right squad, with many alternatives. For example, I’m very happy that a Brazilian like Carlos Augusto is also doing well. Moreover, we’re still at the beginning, people don’t know how difficult it is to get in shape.”
We’re seeing this especially with Lautaro.
“It just takes training and being in the right team. For Lautaro, there are no problems in either the first or the second. Fortunately, Inter doesn’t depend only on him, despite him being the striker who solves many problems. It doesn’t even depend on Thuram, who is growing so well and who knows where he can reach. The team always attacks with 8 men, it’s a spectacle. I know you’re all waiting for this first seasonal goal from Lautaro, maybe it comes in the derby and it’s even more beautiful.”
Speaking of which, is this the most heartfelt match played in your career?
“I wouldn’t know, but it’s the one with the most beautiful atmosphere. A full San Siro, on those nights, is something that can’t be explained in words. These are sensations you don’t forget, and I say this regardless of the match result. Even if, obviously, I hope Inter always wins. This time they arrive as favorites, there’s no doubt, but…”
But what?
“A ‘Clasico’ is always a ‘Clasico’: it’s a story in itself, it’s really a distinct planet different from the rest of the matches. And then it’s always a battle with a wounded Milan, we should expect a reaction of pride from them. Fortunately, Inter has, perhaps, its best point in defense, which over the years has become truly excellent.”
What do you particularly like in the back?
“The defenders have an incredible consistency of performance. Even though they’ve won so many titles, they’re always all on point, focused. Starting with Acerbi, a great stopper.”
Did you see that Haaland wanted to give him his shirt on Wednesday for excessive pulling?
“The defender only does it like this, you have to assert yourself physically too. Like saying, you shall not pass! Acerbi also complements well with Pavard and Bastoni: compared to him, the others on the sides play the ball more and go on attack, but when it’s time to close up in some moments of the matches they do it very well. For example, it wasn’t easy to resist in the last minutes against City who were pressing hard. If they work so well together, it’s thanks to the whole team and the system that Inzaghi has invented.”
What kind of coach does Simone seem to you?
“I played more against his brother, I never had the pleasure of talking to him. From what I can see from here, Simone is part of the great tradition of Italian coaches but is also an innovator. He has an excellent tactical organization, he likes to play out with the ball a lot, and then he has the ability to create a group. My Inter is in good hands.”
Close your eyes, what’s the first memory of your challenges against Milan?
“Well, there are many… Those were the best years, in that era we were clearly superior, even though Milan had a champion of Ronaldinho’s level. With me on the field we only lost one, in the season after the treble with a goal from Ibrahimovic. I like to remember, however, the one from the year before with Mourinho on the bench, won at the end 9 against 11. The referee gave a red card to Sneijder because he had applauded him and to me for an involuntary handball. In the end, Mou said they would only beat us 6 against 11: he was right…”
