Inter are to be considered the front-runners for the 2023-24 Serie A title race, ahead of reigning champions Napoli, according to legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi.
Although he had his greatest success at their arch-rivals Milan and then took Italy to the 1994 World Cup Final, Sacchi has no qualms when it comes to praising the Nerazzurri for their transfer strategy and tactics.
“Whoever has just won the Scudetto usually starts out as the favourite for the next season. That is an unwritten rule in football,” Sacchi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It was the case for Milan last year and Napoli this time. However, I am not so certain the rule will be confirmed next term either. I think Inter are a serious candidate for the Scudetto, probably the favourites, ahead even of Napoli.”
Napoli have lost coach Luciano Spalletti and defender Kim Min-jae, while Piotr Zielinski is also reportedly heading towards Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.
“The two Milanese clubs are trying to strengthen themselves to contrast Napoli, but they are doing it in a different way. Inter seem to be going more for the tried and tested. They kept much of the squad that reached the Champions League Final, are negotiating to get Romelu Lukaku back again, and brought in elements like Davide Frattesi and Marcus Thuram after losing Marcelo Brozovic.”
Sacchi is less impressed with the Milan approach, especially after selling Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United, despite knowing Ismael Bennacer will be out for several months with a knee injury.
“Olivier Giroud was important, but he is a year older and we don’t know what his contribution will be. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic have arrived, but they are foreign and in their first Serie A season, so need time to adapt.
“Stefano Pioli must be sure to give his team a clear identity and leave tactical adjustments alone, just go back to the style and ideas he had when winning the Scudetto.”