Former Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder previewed the upcoming SuperCoppa Italiana semi-final between his former side and Atalanta in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
When asked about his thoughts on the “Supercoppa Italiana,” Sneijder recalls two memories: “One is San Siro, still with the same energy as the Treble year. Everything was still special, only the fans who were there can understand… It was also our first time entering our stadium after the Champions League celebrations. Roma took the lead, but it ended 3-1. The following year in China against Milan went worse, and we were the ones who got comeback. But I scored, let’s say the free-kick that hit the crossbar the year before went in.”
Reflecting on the current Atalanta team, coached by Gasperini who now challenges Inter for the Supercoppa, Sneijder states: “It’s pointless to remember that period, so much time has passed, let’s focus on the present. His Atalanta is the most difficult opponent to face right now, but it’s no longer a surprise. If until some time ago you could be amazed to see them at the top, today it’s normal. They’re the Europa League champions, the whole world has noticed them, studies them. This means you also know how they play…”
When asked if knowing Atalanta well and having won against them recently is an advantage for Inter, Sneijder responds: “No: Atalanta is always unpredictable, they play on rhythm and you have to keep up with their pace, otherwise you’ll be crying at the end of the match. You have to run, it’s never easy. In the league, it went well last time, but I really don’t think it will end 4-0 this time too…”
Sneijder praises Atalanta’s De Roon: “He’s too underrated, but he’s the midfielder everyone would want to have because he gives balance, helps you if you make a mistake, and can even score.”
Regarding Inter’s midfield, Sneijder believes: “The whole formation is worth the best teams in the Champions League, no one can say otherwise… In midfield, the team plays fast, knows how to insert and shoot. It manages moments, which for me is the most important thing in football. The mechanisms improve year after year: when he receives the ball, today Calhanoglu is like a high mountain guide, he knows with his eyes closed where his teammates are.”
On Inzaghi’s coaching style, Sneijder comments: “I don’t know him personally to say something precise… I don’t think he has a character like Mourinho, to be clear, but he still has great knowledge of the game. Like Van Gaal had, someone I had problems with, but I always recognized his genius. To me, it seems that Inzaghi has found his own style: Simone resembles only… Simone. For the formation and for the affection of the players who seem very, very attached to him.”
Sneijder expresses his happiness about Dumfries’ renewal: “I’m happy about Dumfries’ renewal, a certainty for Inter. He’s the classic player who does better when a strong opponent arrives on his flank. This means personality as well as quality.”
On Lautaro’s recent goal drought and subsequent scoring, Sneijder laughs: “And then he scored, how strange… There has never been any problem, there never will be. Also because the team has always scored many goals and there’s also Thuram who does his great work.”
Regarding his former teammate Taremi’s impact, Sneijder advises patience: “Believe me, I have an eye for talent, I recognize it, especially when I see it up close… It took just one year in the same team to understand how strong he is. But I also know Italy and I know it takes time to understand the football culture of a nation like yours. And then the language, the habits… It’s not easy, especially for those who are not European. In the second part of the season, Taremi will be useful, also because you need to alternate, especially in attack.”
Finally, on Inter’s chances for a repeat Scudetto, Sneijder expresses hope: “I hope so, it’s obvious that you support Inter in the league, even if I also watch Lazio a bit…”
