Walter Mazzarri expects “a difficult test” for Inter’s season opener with Torino on Sunday evening, but hints at Gary Medel’s debut.
Walter Mazzarri expects “a difficult test” for Inter’s season opener with Torino on Sunday evening, but hints at Gary Medel’s debut.
The Nerazzurri begin their Serie A season away to Torino on Sunday, kicking off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Click here for a match preview.
“Torino are a good team with an excellent Coach. It will be a difficult test and I am very curious to see how the lads behave in this first game worth three points,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Toro are well-constructed and never give the ball away. Plus they are on home turf in this game. We will try to play our football while limiting that of our opponents. I am happy with everything about the squad and within the parameters I think the club did a good job.
“Plus the players already know what I want this time and that is a big advantage.”
Now that Antonio Conte has left Juventus, the Scudetto race could be blown wide open.
“There are many candidates to be the surprise package in Serie A this season. It will be a much more balanced League,” noted Mazzarri.
Mateo Kovacic scored a hat-trick in the Europa League against Stjarnan on Thursday, while Medel could get his Inter debut tomorrow.
“Medel was more impressive than I expected and I’ll consider him to play tomorrow. Kovacic can play in two different roles and win us the game, as he did against Lazio. The important thing is that he goes to receive the ball in the best zones for him.
“He knows what I want now and is getting more and more self-confidence. He is on the right track.
“What do Inter still lack? Consistency and knowing we have to give our all in every game.”
Inter are still tracking Ezequiel Lavezzi from PSG, who could reunite with his old Napoli Coach Mazzarri.
“He is a great lad and a great player, but that’s it for me. You’d have to ask Piero Ausilio and the President if he’s going to become an Inter player.”