Sacchi argues Inter are ‘cheating’ by incurring debts to win

Legendary ex-coach Arrigo Sacchi had harsh words for Inter, feeling that winning titles by ‘incurring debts’ is equivalent ‘cheating’.

The Nerazzurri are only weeks away from mathematically guaranteeing their 20^th ever Scudetto, having looked a cut above their rivals in Serie A this term. Behind the sporting success is a growing concern, however, as the deadline of the Oaktree loan looms.

Inter president Steven Zhang needs to pay back the US investment fund over €350m by May 20^th, or else he risks losing control of the club. Talks are ongoing regarding a new agreement that could extend the loan deadline by one or two years.

Sacchi criticises Inter

Sacchi had harsh words for Inter when speaking to Corriere Adriatico via Calciomercato.com, hitting out at the state of finances in modern Italian football.

“The trend in Italy is becoming that of wanting to get to the goal by being clever, it’s not right. We need to get out of this situation, otherwise we’ll always remain in this state of crisis. Winning by incurring debts means cheating. Are Inter cheating? Yes.”

The former coach had high praised for Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi, even if things went wrong against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this term.

“He has evolved, he’s grown a lot. I think he’s on the right path. I’m only sorry for that match against Atletico Madrid, where we lost in the Champions League. Spanish teams must be attacked, at a certain point they lined up with six defenders, handing themselves over to their adversaries.”

Finally, Sacchi discussed the work of Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and other tacticians in Serie A.

“He’s like me, he can do well. I see myself a lot in him, but he’s not the only one. I appreciate Sarri, Gasperini, Italiano and Pioli. In Italy today we’re all about tactics, we’re just waiting for the opponent’s mistake.

“The founding fathers invented football as an offensive and team sport, in Italy we have transformed it into an individual and defensive one. We are faced with a paradox.

“The good coach gives a game, helps the players to become better, he is an added director. In the 1980s I could have coached Ancona, but my wife was decisive in me going to Parma.”