Former striker Jurgen Klinsmann had high hopes for Inter this season and highlighted how he was enjoying Milan and Juventus’ difficulties this season.
The Nerazzurri are gearing up for the third Derby della Madonnina of the season against their intercity rivals, one they hope resembles the Supercoppa Italiana win more than the 3-2 loss in the first half of the campaign.
Napoli sit 13 points clear of second place Inter after 20 games and look set to win their first Scudetto since the days of Diego Maradona, leaving the other teams at the top of the table fighting for a top four finish.
Speaking to Bruno Longhi during Apericalcio, Klinsmann first remembered his Derby della Madonnina experiences as a player.
“The derby has to be won because it matters so much. It’s a special match for the fans like me, but also for the players on the pitch. In my time there was the Inter of the three Germans against the Milan of the Dutch.
“They were fabulous and balanced matches, but it was a unique and beautiful experience. I’m now in the United States, since 1998, but I always follow Italian football and I am proud of what Inter are doing.”
He underlined the strengths of Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri this season and suggested that they could go far in Europe.
“I like the way Inter play, but in the league now I think it’s too late and no one can stop Napoli. My hope is that it can be a special year in the Champions League for the Nerazzurri.
“I think they can do well because the squad is exceptional, and they have already shown they can play with the big teams in Europe.
“I expect at least the semi-final, I think they can get there. Then I won’t forget the Coppa Italia, which will be less prestigious but is still a trophy.”
The former striker commented on Inter’s struggles against smaller teams this year.
“I don’t know why Inter struggle more against the small teams, maybe it’s a problem of concentration.
“If you want to win trophies, you cannot drop these games and I would say that the lessons learnt this year have already been enough.”
He gave his thoughts on the issues bothering both Milan and Juventus this campaign.
“As an Inter fan I enjoy the difficult moments of Milan and Juventus, like every fan. Of course, Milan’s collapse is inexplicable because they were doing very well and nobody expected them to lose so many games and in such a bad way. I don’t know what happened.”
Finally, Klinsmann confirmed his belief that Napoli would go on to win the league title.
“I think it’s too late to catch Napoli, I think it’s their year. Winning the derby against Milan remains very important and I hope so, but I don’t think Napoli will lose 13 points, it would take something sensational.
“From the outside they look like a very strong group, with an exceptional coach and a warm fanbase. But in football never say never.”