Walter Mazzarri is hoping that Mateo Kovacic will become as instrumental for Inter as Marek Hamsik was for his Napoli side.
Walter Mazzarri is hoping that Mateo Kovacic will become as instrumental for Inter as Marek Hamsik was for his Napoli side.
“Marek is a top player who works hard both in defence and attack,” the new Nerazzurri tactician, who left the Stadio San Paolo outfit last month, commented.
“Mateo has similar potential and I hope that if we can make the right adjustments – for example when attacking and getting shots in on goal – he can become very similar to Marek.”
The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Nerazzurri in January from Dinamo Zagreb for an initial €11m.
“I have great belief in the boy,” continued the Coach. “He's very young and he's got plenty of room for improvement. He always listens and is very determined.”
The Croatian featured in 13 League games and four Europa League ties for the Beneamata last season.
Kovacic is currently sidelined after picking up a thigh strain on Sunday in pre-season training.