Arrigo Sacchi analyzed the work of the four Serie A clubs in the group stage of the Champions League, giving his opinion on Inter’s need to take a step forward and Naples’ chances of moving forward.
Three of the four Italian teams have already booked their places in the round of 16 of Europe’s main club competition: Inter, Napoli and Lazio. The top two finished second in their respective groups, while the Biancocelesti still have a chance to secure first place.
Things are more difficult for Milan, who need to beat Newcastle United and hope Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain. Any other combination of results would see them eliminated in the group stage, a disappointing result for Stefano Pioli and his team.
On page 15 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi first spoke about whether 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 we hope that they will achieve it, even if it is not easy. But there are still many things to improve and for that reason, be careful not to stop ”.
He referred to what needs to be improved.
“I don’t just look at the results, but at the game. In this regard, as far as the game is concerned, steps forward can and should be taken. We can’t always focus solely on counterattacks and heroic defenses. Other solutions are needed.”
The former coach analyzed Inter’s goalless draw against Real Sociedad.
“The Nerazzurri left the ball to their rivals for almost the entire match and this is a mistake that should not be made. It is true that the Spanish were almost never dangerous, but they had the opportunity to control the pace of the match.
“Real Sociedad has excellent playmakers, in the 36th minute of the first half the Spanish had 80 percent of the possession. Inter never put pressure. This is something to work on.”
Sacchi had no doubts that Inter should have played a more intense match.
“There is no doubt. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter has grown a lot in recent seasons, we must never forget that. Now it is a matter of completing the work to become protagonists at European level as well.”
He advised them what to do to take the next step.
“We need to increase offensive solutions, we cannot think about hitting opponents only with counterattacks. I think Inzaghi is a good coach and I am sure that he will try to raise the bar.
“If the players follow it, and I have no doubts in this regard, they will see that Inter will make a notable leap.
“They have elements of class, with great physique and excellent technique. In short, there is everything to do well.”
The legendary coach suggested that Inter should not fear any rival in the round of 16.
“The risks are clear and they are Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, perhaps Barcelona, if they are confirmed first in the group today.
“But I will be honest: Inter should not 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 handling and pressure.
“The Nerazzurri have great players, let’s not forget, Lautaro, Thuram, Calhanoglu, Barella are champions.”
He gave his opinion 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 that Napoli can have a say in the Champions League. They have high profile players.
“Mazzarri, I am convinced, will try to return enthusiasm and ideas to the entire 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 to fitness and Kvara will sooner or later get back to his level.”
He looked ahead to Lazio’s upcoming clash against Atlético Madrid.
“Very hard. But it must be said that Sarri performed a kind of miracle. Taking Lazio to the round of 16 with one match to spare is a great result, taking into account that, in addition to Atlético, which has great experience, in the group there was a very dangerous team like Feyenoord.”
Finally, Sacchi spoke about Milan’s do-or-die Champions League exit with Newcastle.
“I hope that Milan will be a team again, that they will play as a collective and that they will show a great spirit of sacrifice. “It would be a notable result, after the Rossoneri have shown a discontinuity in this first part of the season that has penalized them many times.”
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2023-12-13 10:35:20
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