Even though many stars left Italy in the summer, Samir Handanovic believes Serie A remains the most difficult league in the world and reveals why Jorginho deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Leo Messi.
The Nerazzurri have begun the post-Conte era with back to back wins against Genoa and Hellas Verona under their new coach Simone Inzaghi.
“We are still playing with a 3-5-2 formation and Inzaghi has explained to us where we can improve,” Handanovic told Tuttosport.
“Us footballers can only thank Conte even if the last two seasons were really demanding. What amazed me was the mentality that he brought to this group, thanks to him, we made the biggest step.
“Conte is a coach gets emotional when he speaks to his players, he always says the right thing at the right time.”
Inter won the Serie A title after 11 years last season before seeing Conte, Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi leave. However, the Nerazzurri failed to reach the Champions League round of 16 during both seasons under Conte.
“We always had the destiny in our hands, but we lacked that tiny bit that can become huge when you don’t reach your target,” the Inter captain admitted.
“I see many professional footballers inside the dressing room. This team can still win. I don’t know if we are stronger or weaker than last season, but we are more complete and we have more experience.
“On paper, Serie A remains the most difficult league. It’s not the richest, but the national team won the Euros and there are many strong players.
“Football has evolved, there aren’t many teams that sit deep, everybody wants to play, you must be prepared. We have so many good players because we play more offensive football now.”
Handanovic’s contract expires in the summer and there are rumours Inter are interested in signing Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.
“Rumours are part of the game, but I still feel well. I live for football, I have passion, I don’t think about the future. We must reach our targets this season, that’s the most important thing.”
The former Slovenia international believes Gigio Donnarumma will become the best goalkeeper in the world, while Jorginho deserves the Ballon d’Or this season.
“He has all the qualities to become the best one, but right now I don’t see a goalkeeper who is better than the others.
“Jorginho won everything,” he continued.
“For me, the best player is not the one who has everything in his DNA, but who is able to reach the top, otherwise, Messi should win the Ballon d’Or every year.”
Handanovic, 37, joined Inter from Udinese in 2012 and the Serie A title the Nerazzurri won last season was the first piece of silverware he lifted at the club.
Handanovic has 391 appearances with the Nerazzurri. He had played 212 games over four seasons at Udinese.
➡️ La carica di Handanovic ⚡️
🔵⚫🔵⚫🔵⚫ https://t.co/Z1I48fFNgR— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) September 10, 2021