Former Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar suggested that there were ‘no comparisons’ between Simone Inzaghi’s squad and his Treble-winning team.
The current Nerazzurri squad are flying high under Inzaghi this term, holding a 15-point lead in the Serie A table as they look to complete some unfinished business in the Champions League, having finished second last season after losing to Manchester City in the final.
Inter are considered outside favourites to win the Champions League this term and they already have one foot in the quarter-finals after securing a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Speaking on page 19 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Cesar first discussed any similarities between Inter’s Treble winning team and their current squad.
“No comparisons, we were special and it’s still nice to meet up and wear the Nerazzurri shirt all together. Today’s team have different characteristics, but they’re special in their own way.”
He spoke about the Nerazzurri’s charge to their second Scudetto star.
“Strong and fierce. I have always thought that the most beautiful, important, almost magical thing in football is trust. Confidence in yourself and your teammates. Feeling strong all together and, thanks to this, being strong on the pitch.
“This Inter are the perfect example of what ‘trust’ means. You see it in the way they play, they look for each other, they believe in what they do and they win.
“They have reached a status that allows them to aim for any objective, everything is done for the Scudetto and the Champions League is also possible.”
The former goalkeeper explained why things are working so well at Inter this season.
“From City! I could mention Inzaghi, who is managing everything in a fantastic way, but a lot of what we are experiencing was born in the Champions League final. For everyone, Manchester City should have won by a landslide and instead they were at risk…
“The legacy of that match was important regardless of the result, in that moment the whole world realised how mature this Inter had become. First of all, however, Inter themselves noticed it, this belief now accompanies the team. Plus, they have strong and functional players in all roles.”
Julio Cesar discussed the qualities of Inter star Lautaro Martinez.
“There is no doubt, Lautaro is one of the best around. I think that his maturation is not finished because every year he adds something, he is never satisfied. Now he always scores, but I especially like him when the ball doesn’t go in.
“The way he handles the difficult moments, despite the external pressure, is truly like a champion. It is no coincidence that he is captain and a point of reference for the entire Inter world, if you can reach this level at such a big club, you must necessarily be great.”
He commented on if he expected the instant impact of Yann Sommer.
“To be honest, no… he surprised me in a positive way, he’s a certainty. He came after Onana, a goalkeeper who had changed Inter with his way of starting the build-up from the back. Sommer took his place with simplicity, after all you don’t join Bayern by chance.
“Replacing Neuer is not for everyone. Due to the qualities he has, Sommer came through late, in football it happens, or perhaps they simply didn’t look in the right direction…”
The 44-year-old touched on the qualities of the Nerazzurri defence.
“The Inter defence are a wall and perfectly apply a game system that allows them to risk little, but the skill of a top team goalkeeper lies in the ability to stay focused and be ready when he concedes shots. It will happen only a few times, but it will happen, and there you risk your life.
“Before the matches Mou looked me in the eyes and gave me the right energy: “I need you for two operations, nothing more…”
Finally, Julio Cesar discussed Inter’s upcoming Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
“Inter must fight intelligently, without distorting themselves. Playing, without revealing themselves, but dribbling and keeping control as they almost always do. Atletico know how to do well even on the counter, but the greatest risk paradoxically lies in the 1-0 in the first leg.
“Having two results out of three sometimes affects you psychologically, but this team are wise, they know how to manage this situation.”