Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni compared Napoli to his record-breaking Inter and analysed Juventus, Milan, the Nerazzurri and Udinese.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni compared Napoli to his record-breaking Inter and analysed Juventus, Milan, the Nerazzurri and Udinese.
“Walter Mazzarri's team are the favourites for the Scudetto,” Il Trap told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Do you know who they remind me of? My ‘Inter dei Record.' They have the same hunger and refusal to give anything away.”
Trapattoni won the Scudetto with Inter in 1988-89 by dominating the campaign, securing the title a month in advance by winning 26 out of 34 games and securing a record 58 points, 11 in front of second place.
“Mazzarri did well to create this mentality, plus he has those three beasts in attack. They can get close to the Maradona-Careca-Giordano trident. Of course none of them are as strong as Diego, who was like an alien, but Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi complete each other.
“Napoli have only one problem, as they must not let themselves get swept away by the enthusiasm of the city. The fever pitch in Naples can be dangerous.
“However, this team can also go forward in Europe. When the right trigger is activated, you don't want to lose even in a game between ranks.”
Trapattoni also won the Scudetto during his days at Juventus and is impressed with Antonio Conte.
“He's just as irritable as I was aged 37! It's a good sign. I like it when people compare Conte to early Trapattoni. Antonio won everything with the Juve shirt and is passing on that hunger to the younger and older players. It's in the Bianconeri DNA.
“Milan can recover quickly by giving the joy back to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Antonio Cassano. Adriano Galliani is a great director who always knows the right thing to say.
“Massimiliano Allegri can relax, as with people like Ibra, Cassano, Pato and Robinho in attack, this team is always destined to fight for the Scudetto.”
However, Trapattoni has less reassuring words for Claudio Ranieri's Inter.
“One gets the feeling their era is coming to an end,” continued the Ireland manager. “I remember when it happened to my Juve. It's not an easy moment to deal with, so you need patience for one or two years. Inter have to rediscover themselves.
“Udinese, on the other hand, remind me of Osvaldo Bagnoli's Scudetto-winning Verona. If I were the big clubs, I'd take Antonio Di Natale and his teammates very seriously.”
Trap is already 72 years old, but has absolutely no intention of slowing down as he prepares for Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia.
“I am happy in charge of Ireland. A contract renewal? I don't want to climb inside the FAI President's pocket. He'll decide when to discuss the issue. I can certainly say that whether with Ireland or not, I will continue to work as a Coach.”