Gianfranco Zola believes Romelu Lukaku is “ideal for Antonio Conte’s Inter” and Nicolò Barella can be the new Dejan Stankovic.
The former Cagliari, Parma and Chelsea legend is fresh from his experience as assistant manager to Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
He was therefore up against Manchester United hitman Lukaku, who has been valued at over €80m.
Gianfranco Zola believes Romelu Lukaku is “ideal for Antonio Conte’s Inter” and Nicolò Barella can be the new Dejan Stankovic.
The former Cagliari, Parma and Chelsea legend is fresh from his experience as assistant manager to Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
He was therefore up against Manchester United hitman Lukaku, who has been valued at over €80m.
“Lukaku would make a big impact at Inter, as he has the ideal characteristics for Conte’s football and has the kind of physicality from the Premier League that puts him a step above the rest in Serie A,” Zola told FCInterNews.it.
“Having said that, I believe the real strength at Inter will be Conte himself. He’s really fired up after the Chelsea experience and then taking a year off. He’ll want to transmit that determination to the squad.
“We know how good Antonio is at transmitting grit, intensity and sporting aggression. I am sure Inter will be one of the principle antagonists to Juventus this season.”
The Nerazzurri spent €40m plus bonuses for Cagliari and Italy midfielder Barella, who Zola worked with at Cagliari.
“I am happy that he went to Inter, as with a Coach like Conte, he can grow even more. If the bonuses were to be activated, he’d be one of the most expensive ever signings at Inter and that’s special.
“I was his Coach and appreciated him a great deal, even if he was still very young at the time. He’s determined and has clear ideas.
“Barella can follow in the footsteps of Stankovic, who was a complete midfielder with so much quality. He knew how to start moves, score goals, then became very good at defending too.
“There are also similarities with Radja Nainggolan, but in my view Barella is more defensive-minded than attacking. He can certainly improve and he’s in the right place to work on those defects and become a stronger overall player.
“I agree with the Cagliari fans who say it was the right time for Barella to go, as now the club can reinvest that money and the player can step up to the next level.”