Former Inter goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi says the Nerazzurri ‘lack spirit’ and that Saturday’s clash with Roma is a 'watershed moment’ for them.
The two clubs face off at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, with Inter needing a win to maintain a chance of fighting for the third and final Champions League spot.
“Roma favourites against Inter? Even in a crucial game like on Saturday, anything can happen,” Peruzzi said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Former Inter goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi says the Nerazzurri ‘lack spirit’ and that Saturday’s clash with Roma is a 'watershed moment’ for them.
The two clubs face off at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, with Inter needing a win to maintain a chance of fighting for the third and final Champions League spot.
“Roma favourites against Inter? Even in a crucial game like on Saturday, anything can happen,” Peruzzi said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Roma play well, they’re very fast, but Mancini has the tools to respond and can do damage with Ljajic, Eder and Jovetic, who was decisive in the first part of the season.
“After all, for Inter the Olimpico is the watershed moment: if they lose, the Champions League is gone.
“Roberto has a potentially strong team but they’re also a bit inexperienced. They lack spirit. They should clone Zanetti.
“I think Spalletti’s merits, more than technical and tactical, have been psychological. He’s put everything in its place, giving back trust to the whole environment.
“If Roma have come second for two years, then the qualities were there. Second place? With the direct match against Napoli at home, Roma can believe in it.”
Peruzzi also gave his thoughts on Napoli’s title challenge and believes that they will need to have strong mental strength to overcome Juventus.
“Mental endurance becomes decisive in these final stages of the season, more than technical, tactical and physical factors,” he said.
“Take Napoli for example. In my opinion they’ve played very good football, the best. But sometimes it’s not enough to win.
“It was enough to lose against Juve, with a little bit of bad luck, and here they felt the effect more mentally. Sarri admitted it too.”