Goran Pandev compared the qualities of Napoli and Inter, highlighting their star players and discussing his emotional connection.
The Nerazzurri slipped down to second in the Serie A table after Juventus’ Friday evening win over Monza, putting the pressure on Simone Inzaghi and his players to respond on their Sunday evening battle with the defending champions.
Whilst Inter heavily rotated in their mid-week Champions League draw with Benfica, Napoli played their strongest squad and suffered a painful 4-2 loss away to Real Madrid. Tensions are high and both teams will be hungry for all three points at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Speaking on Page 14 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Pandev first looked ahead to the clash between Napoli and Inter.
“I could never choose between Napoli and Inter. Teams in which I won, and which filled me with affection.”
He touched on the duel between Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez.
“They are the strongest in Serie A. I hope that the Argentine can end the season as top scorer, because he deserves it.
“He has the attitude of a true captain, the armband has reinvigorated him. They are both champions, Victor will remind everyone of this, now that he’s back.”
The former forward also commented on the work of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Marcus Thuram.
“The classic champions who can perform the decisive feat at any moment. Khvicha is proving himself, the Frenchman on the other hand surprised me. I would never have predicted such an impact in his first year in Italy, as it was for Kvara.”
Pandev feels Thuram has formed a better partnership with Lautaro than Romelu Lukaku did.
“Yes and I’d say it firmly. They are similar and complementary, they know how to exchange tasks and ideas. I congratulate Marotta and Ausilio, a crazy coup.”
He touched on Napoli’s limitations in defence.
“Natan still has to get used to Italian football, but I am confident for the future, he will be the right man. Mazzarri must hurry up and correct something, because defences win titles.”
The Macedonian spoke about the work of the two teams in the Champions League.
“Very good. Inter have incredible quality, greater than last year. The purchases have been targeted, even the so-called backups are starters, and it was seen in Lisbon.
“Napoli have regained their confidence with the coach’s return, I am happy both for the team and for Walter. I hope they can win together again.”
Finally, Pandev discussed the title race this season and his favourites.
“Well, I would say that the Nerazzurri are ahead of everyone in terms of personnel. And betting everything on the title, to get the second star, wouldn’t be so wrong.
“Attention as usual to Juventus, not having European commitments is an advantage that could prove decisive. Napoli and Milan remain in the running, at least for now.”