Inter vice president Javier Zanetti suggested Romelu Lukaku has been ‘improving a lot’ lately and noted how the club ‘all need to give more’ as they sit 18 points behind Napoli.
The Nerazzurri have emerged as the best of the rest in Serie A this season behind the charging Partenopei, but poor results like their recent 1-0 loss to Bologna have continued to plague Simone Inzaghi’s side.
Inter have found positivity in the Champions League this campaign and already have one foot in the quarter-finals after their win over Porto in the first leg.
Speaking on the sidelines of Gianluca Pagliuca’s book launch, Zanetti first gave his memories of the former Inter goalkeeper.
“Gianluca was a great teammate, I was lucky enough to play with him, I arrived very young and he taught me a lot. He was an example to follow and undoubtedly one of the strongest goalkeepers in Inter’s history.”
He touched on what kind of goalkeeper Andre Onana is.
“He is very reliable and positive. He is doing very well. The role, like football, has changed, you play more like your feet and you need technique.”
He was asked about the two different versions of Inter, between the various cups and Serie A.
“The most important thing is that none of us look for excuses. I heard what the coach and Lautaro said and when you hear them acknowledge that things were not done up to standard you have to start again. There are so many close games, and we have to give an answer as early as Sunday.”
The Nerazzurri vice-president spoke about the leadership role of Lautaro Martinez.
“He is showing since he arrived at Inter that sense of belonging. He transmits it both on and off the pitch.”
Zanetti was asked how long it would take to see the ‘real’ Lukaku on the pitch.
“He’s improving a lot, he had a very serious injury, which kept him out for a long time, and it’s not easy to recover fully given his size.
“However, I think we are seeing a much more positive Lukaku in recent weeks.”
He discussed Napoli’s incredible season and if that made Inter’s work look worse in comparison.
“First of all, we have to recognise the great season Napoli are having under Luciano Spalletti, something extraordinary. Then we are aware of having left a few points on the road that we shouldn’t have left.
“We must not look for the culprits, but for solutions. It’s not that Inzaghi has to give more, we all have to give more: club, players and coach. We are a team, merits and disappoinments belong to everyone.”
The Nerazzurri vice-president looked ahead to the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Porto.
“We’re very confident, we showed in the first leg that we played with character. The return leg will not be easy, but we will be ready.”
Finally, Zanetti was asked why Inter have dropped points to smaller teams this season.
“I wish I had the answer. You always work to improve, we didn’t have consistency and we didn’t close out games and they caught up with us in the result. We overcome difficulties all together, we expect a great response against Lecce.”