MILAN. After the message of thanks from Inter, contained in the official statement on the consensual termination of the contract released yesterday afternoon, greetings from Antonio Conte also arrive: “What a path in these two years – writes the now former Nerazzurri coach – every day we have grow in us more and more strength, determination, will and sacrifice, managing to break the logic of mediocrity with which we are often surrounded. No excuses, no alibis, just work, work and work. We brought the Scudetto back to Inter after 11 years, but above all we brought Inter back to the place where history and tradition deserve to be. Thanks to the players, staff, president, managers and all those people who have helped and supported us in these two years ».
Words in which it is possible to read some of Conte’s strong convictions in these two years at Pinetina, in particular that reference to “mediocrity”. Conte has often insisted that the Inter milieu should make a leap forward because some components had flattened out on the inertia of a decade without a win. The passage on alibis and excuses is also significant: that paraphernalia of considerations often used in recent years by those who have found themselves in leadership positions at Inter to describe a supposed uniqueness of the Nerazzurri world, as if it were bewitched compared to that of others. teams. Conte swept away this way of thinking. The coach dedicates a thought to the fans: «In a very difficult period for everyone due to the pandemic, we have always felt their support, warmth and closeness. The image of the Scudetto Cup raised from the highest ring of San Siro with you in celebration, I will always carry it with me ».
The work of the Nerazzurri management continues in search of Conte’s successor. Allegri and Simone Inzaghi faded into a cross game. Inter took time with the Lazio coach in an attempt to convince the Leghorn, who then returned to Juventus. A procrastination that prompted Inzaghi to accept Lotito’s renewal offer, not being sure of landing at Pinetina. Now the most popular names are those of Sinisa Mihajlovic and Maurizio Sarri. On the Tuscan technician there is a rebound of more or less prudent rumors. For now the Nerazzurri club denies it, even if there should have been some contact with the agent of the ex from Napoli, Juventus and Chelsea. Mihajlovic seems to be the profile currently followed with greater interest by the Italian Champions. The Bologna coach was also in the running for Lazio, an option closed by Inzaghi’s stay. These are hours of frantic negotiations to figure out who will come after Conte on the Nerazzurri bench.
Meanwhile, an explanation of the decision to terminate Conte’s contract with a substantial severance pay is filtered from the club’s headquarters, even if it was the Salento coach who wanted to interrupt the relationship. An issue on which even the Nerazzurri fans are wondering. The Inter management preferred to move in this direction to avoid a long back and forth that could have dragged on for weeks. In the past Conte had left his teams in June (Bari) and July (Juventus). Inter wanted to avert this danger for having suffered the free bench and looking for a substitute without constraints, even at the cost of an economic sacrifice. Although for now, in light of the black smokes with Allegri and Inzaghi, the choice has not paid off.