Former Italy and Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi feels the Champions League Final against Manchester City was a ‘turning point’ for Simone Inzaghi and Inter: ‘Improvements have been evident.’
The Nerazzurri have a nine-point lead over second-placed Juventus with a game in hand and have won 20 games from 24 in Serie A this season.
They are en route to winning their 20th Scudetto which will grant them a second star on their chests from the 2024-25 campaign.
On Sunday, they comfortably beat strugglers Salernitana 4-0 at the Stadio Meazza, scoring three goals in the opening 40 minutes.
The Serie A table leaders will host Atletico Madrid at Stadio Meazza in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.
Ex-Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi analysed the Nerazzurri’s performances this season in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They are still not perfect because in life, you can always improve, but evident and convincing steps forward have been taken,” said the 77-year-old.
“First of all, I must say that Inzaghi is very educated and respectful. He has improved so much. He used to rely on the opponents’ errors, while now he creates football. Inter used to sit back after taking the lead, but now they continue to attack. It means that their target is to dominate.
“I think last season’s Champions League Final was the turning point. The Nerazzurri lost the game but fought until the end and had many chances to equalise,” continued the former coach.
“That’s when they realised they could be up to the task against a top team like Manchester City. From that moment, improvements have been evident. The defence is always focused, the midfield is one of the best in Europe and the two strikers play and move for the team. This is all Inzaghi’s merit.”
Inzaghi has lifted five trophies since replacing Antonio Conte in 2021 but has yet to win a Scudetto at the Stadio Meazza. The 47-year-old has won 94 games from 142 at Inter.