Arrigo Sacchi analysed the work of the four Serie A clubs in the Champions League group stage, giving his thoughts on Inter’s need to step up and Napoli’s chances moving forward.
Three of the four Italian sides have already booked their spots in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition – Inter, Napoli and Lazio. The first two both finished second in their respective groups, whilst the Biancocelesti still have the chance to secure the top spot.
Things are more difficult for Milan, who both need to beat Newcastle United and hope Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain. Any other combination of results sees them exit at the group stage, a disappointing result for Stefano Pioli and his squad.
Speaking on page 15 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi first discussed if Serie A can be satisfied with the work of the four teams in the Champions League this season.
“I would say yes. Three are in the Round of 16 and this is a great achievement. One will fight to get there, and let’s hope they make it, even if it won’t be easy. But there are still many things to improve and so, beware of stopping.”
He touched on what needs to be improved.
“I’m not just looking at the results, but at the game. Here, as far as the game is concerned, steps forward can and must be made. We can’t always focus only on counterattacks and heroic defences. Other solutions are needed.”
The former coach analysed Inter’s goalless draw with Real Sociedad.
“The Nerazzurri left the ball to their opponents for almost the entire match, and this is a mistake that should not be made. It is true that the Spaniards were almost never dangerous, but they had the opportunity to manage the pace of the match.
“Real Sociedad have excellent setters, in the 36th minute of the first half the Spaniards had 80 percent of possession. Inter never pressed. This is an aspect to work on.”
Sacchi had no doubts that Inter should’ve played a more intense match.
“There is no doubt. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter have grown a lot in recent seasons, this should never be forgotten. Now it’s a matter of completing the work to become protagonists at a European level too.”
He advised them what to do to take that next step.
“We need to increase offensive solutions, we cannot think of hitting opponents only with counterattacks. I believe that Inzaghi is a good coach, and I am sure that he will try to raise the bar.
“If the players follow him, and I have no doubts about this aspect, you will see that Inter will make a notable leap forward.
“They have elements of class, with great physicality and excellent technique. In short, there is everything to do well.”
The legendary coach suggested that Inter do not need to fear any opponent in the Round of 16.
“The risks are clear and they are called Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, perhaps Barcelona, if they confirm themselves first in the group today.
“But I’ll be honest, Inter shouldn’t be afraid of these teams. They have the possibilities and qualities to compete against anyone, as long as they make those improvements in terms of ball management and pressing.
“The Nerazzurri have great players, let’s not forget that, Lautaro, Thuram, Calhanoglu, Barella are champions.”
He gave his thoughts on Napoli’s work on the European stage this term.
“We are starting to see some plots that we remembered from last season, but it will still take a little time. In any case, I think Napoli can have their say in the Champions League. They have high profile players.
“Mazzarri, I’m convinced, will try to restore enthusiasm and ideas to the whole group, and the task of his boys will be to follow him. If they played very well a year ago, they can do the same now.”
Sacchi touched on how Napoli will face a tougher opponent in the next round.
“In the case of Napoli, the important thing is that they focus on themselves and try to rediscover that fluidity of movement and that beauty that characterized them in the past. Osimhen is getting back into shape and Kvara, sooner or later, will return to his level.”
He looked ahead to Lazio’s coming clash with Atletico Madrid.
“Very hard. But it must be said that Sarri performed a kind of miracle. Bringing Lazio to the Round of 16 with a game to spare is a great result, considering that, in addition to Atletico who have great experience, in the group there was a very dangerous team like Feyenoord.”
Finally, Sacchi discussed Milan’s do-or-die Champions League outing with Newcastle.
“I expect Milan to return to being a team, to play as a collective, to show a high spirit of sacrifice. It would be a notable result, after the Rossoneri have shown discontinuity in this first part of the season which has often penalized them.”