The race for the Scudetto is heating up, with Inter and Atalanta attempting to leap to the top of the table, at least for one night, while Napoli awaits Roma’s visit tomorrow. Juventus also have an opportunity, but they face Milan at San Siro with several absences. Arrigo Sacchi, the renowned Italian football manager, shared his insights on the title chase and the evolution of Serie A in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Sacchi observed that this year’s championship is particularly unique, competitive, and engaging. He noted, “All teams, those at the top and even those at the bottom of the table, are trying to propose their style, focusing on their qualities without clinging to the usual ‘defense-counterattack’ approach. This is good; it means Italian football is finally evolving.”
According to Sacchi, Inter possess technical quality, physical power, experience, and a spirit of sacrifice. He considered Inter to have “the most complete group in Serie A” and believes they will fight until the end for both the Scudetto and the Champions League. However, he cautioned that this depends on the players continuing their growth without thinking they’ve already reached their goal.
Sacchi praised Simone Inzaghi for giving the team a precise identity, noting that the players follow him and have shown progress, especially in terms of mentality. “Now, especially in international matches, Inter goes away to dominate opponents. And they succeed. Before, they were a more timid team,” Sacchi remarked.
Sacchi was full of admiration for Atalanta, stating, “Every year in Bergamo, they perform miracles.” He points out that these recurring successes are no longer miracles but “wonderful realities built through work, effort, and sacrifice.”
Highlighting Gian Piero Gasperini’s impact, Sacchi said, “Gasperini, who is a phenomenon as well as a master, what does he do? He takes Retegui, teaches him the movements he wants from the center-forward, arranges the other elements according to the usual module, and obtains an even more beautiful and effective game.”
Sacchi particularly appreciated Atalanta’s competitive fury and courage, attributing these qualities to the coach, the club’s support, and the environment that pushes the team beyond its limits. He emphasised, “What Atalanta is doing is not normal: it’s something extraordinary. And for this, all of Italy’s public should applaud Gasperini’s team.”
