Claudio Ranieri explains the three reasons why Inter miss Ivan Perisic and insists Simone Inzaghi ‘needs time.’
The Nerazzurri have had a tricky start to the season with three defeats in nine games across all competitions.
They’ve been forced to do without their star striker Romelu Lukaku over the last few weeks, but the Belgian forward returned to training yesterday and is expected to be available against Roma when the season resumes next week.
Inter have entered the international break with a 3-1 loss against Udinese.
“Inter seem lost since last season’s defeat in the derby. They re-signed Lukaku but lost him again straight away. Inzaghi needs time, even if some substitutions look hurried. Sometimes it’s better to talk to a player to know if he feels like he wants to continue despite a yellow card.”
Inzaghi replaced Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan after just 30 minutes in the first half at the Dacia Arena on Sunday as both players had been booked early in the game.
“Inter lost a crucial player,” continued Ranieri.
“He was a thorn in the side for Inter’s opponents. He would attack, defend and create a numerical advantage on the flank.”
Juventus have also had a poor start, but Ranieri believes both their ex-clubs still have a chance to win the Serie A title.
“Why not? It’s the strangest season ever. After the World Cup, they’ll start from scratch and we’ll see. It will mostly depend on Milan and Napoli, without forgetting Atalanta and Udinese.”
Ranieri coached Juventus from 2007 until 2009 and Inter in 2011-12.