Roberto Carlos admits he’ll support Real Madrid against Inter if his former clubs meet in Champions League and insists Brazil must win the World Cup.
The ex-defender spoke to La Gazzetta Dello Sport ahead of Saturday’s Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter in Turin.
“I think Inter have something more than their rivals. It will be a tactical game, neither team can make mistakes. Inter need to consolidate themselves, Juventus must climb the table, to me, Inter are slightly favourite,” he said.
Inter picked up one win and one draw against Barcelona in the Champions League group phase eliminating the Catalans from the competition before the Round of 16 for the second season in a row.
“Barcelona are a young team and need time to become a top club at an international level,” admitted Roberto Carlos.
“I follow Inter with great attention and I was impressed with how they handled the two games against the Catalans. If they are able to do more of the same, they will go ahead, but the Champions League depends on many factors, not only the style of play.”
What if the Nerazzurri pick his former club Real Madrid in the Round of 16 draw on Monday?
“Well, I’d support Real Madrid for affection reasons, but I’d be happy if Inter go through and will support them until the end.”
What does he make of Inter striker Lautaro Martinez?
“Lautaro is a great centre forward and he has similar characteristics to his coach’s brother, Filippo Inzaghi. The sense of goal is similar. He starts from the shadow but suddenly punishes you.”
Italy have not qualified for the World Cup, what was the Azzurri’s problem?
“A piece is missing, I am sorry they are not there. Perhaps the euphory after the Euros was tricky, but you have one of the best national teams in the world and always know how to get back,” the ex-defender said.
So, who will lift the cup in Qatar next month?
“The only team that cannot lose it, it’s called Brazil.”
Roberto Carlos spent one season at Inter and joined Real Madrid in 1996, remaining at the club for over ten years. He won – among other things – two La Liga titles and three Champions League while in Spain and the 2002 World Cup with Brazil.