Filippo Inzaghi advised Rafael Leao to stay with Milan, was positive about the return of Romelu Lukaku to Inter and called Ciro Immobile the best forward in Italy.
The former Milan striker is currently the head coach of Serie B outfit Reggina, who sit second in the table and in a positive spot in their quest for promotion to the topflight. Inzaghi signed a three-year deal with the second division team in the summer and is starting to restore his stock after a few years away from Serie A.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Inzaghi first gave his thoughts on the current state of Stefano Pioli’s Milan.
“Milan have a great coach like Pioli and top directors like Maldini and Massara, they know well what to do.
“Clearly Napoli has travelled at double speed, but I am convinced that the Rossoneri have everything to try to recover for the Scudetto and to go ahead in the Champions League, to experience those nights that the fans know well.
“De Ketelaere? He is strong, but he is young and should be waited for, as was done for Leao. He can become a protagonist, he has quality. You have to take pressure off him.”
He gave some advice to Rossoneri star Leao, who only has around 18 months left on his contract in the Lombardy capital.
“If I were him, I would stay. For me, Milan has always been the best. To wear that shirt, to play at San Siro.
“A few years ago, maybe you could think about aspiring to something more prestigious, because Milan was becoming great again, but now they won the Scudetto, they make their way in the Champions League.
“Leao is strong, but he can be even stronger. I hope he will be convinced. Here he can be a protagonist, at the centre of the project.
“The risk is that at City or Real he will then end up being one of many. If I could give him a piece of advice, I would tell him to become a flagbearer for Milan, something unique.”
The 49-year-old Italian coach commented on Lukaku’s return to Inter, only 12 months after his €113m move to Chelsea.
“I too would have taken him back, but it’s clear that not playing for long he has to recover his condition. The problem was mainly the injuries, which slowed him down.
“But after the break we will see the best Romelu again. So will Lautaro. He will be tired, but he will be even more charged up after winning the World Cup, winning helps to win.”
He gave his thoughts on the current issues plaguing Italian football.
“Compared to other countries, we have lost the street football, the oratory. I am already teaching it to my son, I take him to play in all places.
“Last year I was on holiday and in a square I read a sign, no playing football. Less PlayStation and more playground. Only there do you hone certain qualities that you never lose again.”
Finally, Inzaghi discussed the best forwards in Italy and the world.
“In Italy without a doubt Immobile, the most complete. In the world, I say Mbappé and Haaland: unreachable.
“Among the young Italians, I really like Raspadori, although he is more of a second striker. He reminds me of Aguero as characteristics. I also like his face, he looks serious and clean to me.”