Former AC Milan and Italian national team coach Arrigo Sacchi shared his thoughts on the Club World Cup and Inter’s chances of winning it in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Discussing the new tournament format, Sacchi noted, “It will be played at the end of the season when athletes will certainly be tired. A targeted preparation will be necessary. The long trips won’t allow for training during the event period. However, I see Inter doing very well. Both for the Scudetto, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup. But have you seen their squad? There’s a lot of quality in Simone Inzaghi’s group, there’s experience, there’s physical strength. And behind them is a solid club that supports the coach’s work. I say they can win the World Cup.”
Regarding Inter’s position in the competition, Sacchi stated, “In the group stage, Inter will face Monterrey, which doesn’t seem like an insurmountable obstacle. Then they’ll have Urawa Red Diamonds and, finally, River Plate, which I believe is the toughest opponent. However, it seems to me that the Nerazzurri have the resources to go all the way. After that, there will be knockout matches, and that’s where we’ll see who has more energy. Inzaghi, in my opinion, is in pole position, I have no doubts.”
Sacchi praised Inter’s completeness, saying, “Inter is a complete team and they’re proving it: solid in defense, with a fantastic midfield and an attack that participates in the game and scores regularly. The problem with the Club World Cup is represented by the climate and travel. If these two factors are neutralized, the Nerazzurri are destined to go far. And the American ownership, which looks at this tournament with great interest, would be very happy.”
