Arrigo Sacchi is impressed by Inter‘s win over Napoli but feels the Nerazzurri must continue pressing high up the pitch because ‘anything can happen’ if they play as they did against Juventus.
The Nerazzurri secured a statement win over title holders Napoli at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday, beating Walter Mazzarri’s side 3-0.
“Mamma Mia! I had so much fun. It was a match that reconciled the audience with football. Congratulations to all the performers, those who won and those who lost,” Sacchi told Gazzetta.
“If Inter play as they did in Napoli, they are title favourites. However, anything can happen if they play as they did in Turin against Juventus. Juventus-Inter killed football in terms of amusement, while Napoli-Inter has ignited enthusiasm.”
Nevertheless, Napoli showed encouraging signs, especially in the early stages.
“After 30 minutes, I wrote in my notebook: ‘Napoli are back.’ At that point, nobody would have predicted Inter would win so comfortably,” argued Sacchi.
“This is why I say Napoli should not be discouraged. They must continue, maybe making some corrections in defence.”
What was so impressive about Inter?
“The fact that they hit back blow-by-blow and, maybe for the first time this season, they pressed high up the pitch,” Sacchi replied.
“The Nerazzurri played openly and for this reason, we saw an uncommon game for Italian football. Simone Inzaghi’s team showed quality, experience, pace and physicality and finally, I didn’t see five or six players in defence.”
Inter have restored their leadership in Serie A, moving two points clear of Juventus at the top of the table. The Old Lady had beaten Monza away on Friday, scoring the winner with Federico Gatti in the stoppages one minute after conceding an equaliser.
“Juventus’ style is based on solid defence and counter-attacks and they are improving. Massimiliano Allegri’s men have iron will and they showed it against Monza,” noted Sacchi.
“They never give up and they don’t play in European competitions. It’s a good advantage.”
How about Milan? Are they still involved in the title race?
“They are six points below Inter, not a huge gap. However, the Rossoneri must find balance on the pitch and become a team. If they manage to do so, they can have their say.”
What’s the biggest risk Inter run now?
“Feeling they have arrived. It’s a risk after performances like the one in Naples,” admitted the ex-Milan and Italy boss.
“The Nerazzurri must consider this victory [against Napoli] as a starting point. If they continue like this, Inzaghi will make them even more courageous and Inter will have a chance at a European level. Now, they must continue without thinking they are phenomenons.”
The Nerazzurri host Udinese at the Stadio Meazza in their next Serie A game on Saturday, December 9, while Juventus and Napoli will meet at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Friday, December 8.