Former goalkeeper Francesco Toldo believes the Supercoppa Italiana ‘should’ve stayed in Italy’ and praised Inter for their decisive work in the win over Fiorentina.
Simone Inzaghi’s side returned to the top of the league table after beating the Viola 1-0 on Sunday evening, putting them a point ahead of rivals Juventus, who dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Empoli on Saturday.
Next weekend sees a crucial Derby d’Italia clash, with Inter just a point ahead of Juventus. Due to the Supercoppa Italiana, the Nerazzurri have a game in hand, so even defeat in the head-to-head doesn’t leave them stuck in second.
Speaking to Rai Radio 1 via TMW, Toldo first reflected on Inter’s win over Fiorentina.
“Inter are a war machine, those two up front carry the team and there’s the rest of the group who recover the ball and run. Plus, they concede few goals, all the right ingredients to make a goalkeeper feel calm. But yesterday Sommer wasn’t calm.
“I like Fiorentina, they play, the coach teaches them how to play football, obviously there are differences in investments, but I think they deserve that position in the table, they have hope of qualifying for the Champions League.”
He gave his thoughts on the fight against racism in Serie A and the recent incident involving Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
“It was like that in my time too, there are ignorant people around. I think the situation has improved a little. I think there is more civic sense at the stadium. There are more rules, more restrictions, more checks.
“I’m sure that young people have more respect and that there is no form of racism both inside and outside the stadium. If there are isolated cases, they are caught and punished. Maignan did well, he had a lot of character in interrupting that chain of obscenity and racist chanting.”
The former goalkeeper spoke about Roma’s decision to replace Jose Mourinho with Daniele De Rossi.
“It’s a gamble, but Daniele has courage and I hope that the results prove him right. He has the backing, as Mourinho had. Coaching your favourite team is not easy, you have to put emotions aside. But I wish him the best.”
Toldo was asked if the coming Derby d’Italia would be a turning point in the title race.
“It’s not the turning point, there are still many games to go. There are still many variables, above all injuries and the Champions League.”
He spoke about the future of Italian goalkeepers and where they should find inspiration.
“Falcone represents one of the most exciting goalkeepers of the moment. If Sinner represents the strength of never giving up, the same must be done by Italian goalkeepers. Falcone is certainly one of the most exciting for the future, he must cultivate the dream of arriving in the national team.”
Finally, Toldo discussed the idea of seeing a full Serie A round played abroad.
“I’m just saying that I was saddened not to see the Inter fans at San Siro to celebrate the Supercoppa, it should’ve stayed in Italy.
“I hope that our country returns to the centre of the world football path, but we’re always looking for money. Maybe it’s okay to reject some economic requests.”