Former Inter striker Diego Milito believes Juventus will become ‘a very tough rival’ under Max Allegri and that Jose Mourinho’s Roma will be ‘difficult to face’.
In 2020-21, the Nerazzurri claimed their first Scudetto since the Treble under Mourinho in 2009-10, but Milito believes Juve will bounce back from the fourth place and battle for the Scudetto in 2021-22.
“For Inter, Juve will be a very tough rival,” Milito told Sportweek. “Even more so with the return of Allegri.
“Milan start from second, Napoli have a coach who wants to be the protagonist again and Atalanta play a tried and tested football with enthusiasm.”
His former coach, Mourinho, has replaced Paulo Fonseca at the Olimpico ahead of the new season and Milito thinks the Portuguese fits in well in the Italian capital.
“Jose is a suitable coach for a place like this,” he continued. “We have seen it from the enthusiasm with which he was welcomed upon his arrival.
“He’s a coach who charges, exalts. He’s special also for this. I have no doubt that his Roma will do very well. He likes these challenges.
“His Roma will be tough, tough, difficult to face, let alone beat, for anyone. Roma fans know Jose well. Winning is not easy, but I repeat: Mou’s Roma will be in the image and likeness of their coach.
“He returns to Italy to prove that he is still special. And he will succeed. Above all, a coach must have the strength to manage the group and, in fact, to bring out the best in everyone.
“Mourinho has his strength. It’s the reason that makes him a special coach. He understands the psychological moments of the player and knows when to hug you and when to scold you.
“He’s aware of your state of mind at all times and he knows how to handle you, all for the good of the team.”
Vincenzo Italiano has moved from Spezia to Fiorentina this summer and Milito recalls his time together with the former midfielder.
“I played together with Italiano at Genoa,” he said. “His Spezia were aggressive and quick. I’m curious to see him at a club with more ambitions.”