MILAN. Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri adventure starts from San Siro, entirely dedicated to the new Inter coach. The welcome message “Welcome Simone” appears on the signs surrounding the lawn, on the maxi-screen of the stadium and on the LED lights inside the executive room, the hall of honor of the Meazza under the red grandstand, where it was staged the official presentation of the former Lazio coach. At his side the managing director Beppe Marotta who wanted him at all costs with a blitz immediately after the resolution with Antonio Conte, snatching him from Claudio Lotito who had done everything to obtain the contract renewal of Inzaghi.
“I know that an important challenge lies ahead of me. Zhang, Marotta and Ausilio have shown great motivation in wanting me. I will find a strong group, a strong club and fans who will support us. We are Inter and we will do everything to defend the Scudetto », says Simone who hopes to lead Inter further into the Champions League after three consecutive eliminations in the group stage. «We have to make a better path in the Champions League. Inter are an international team, but they haven’t made it to the last 16 for too long. In recent seasons it has come short due to injuries. The Champions League is very hard and physical. We are gearing up, knowing that playing every three days will be very expensive ».
Inevitable starting with the sale of Hakimi to Paris Saint Germain, very painful because due to ownership problems Inter had to give up one of the best winger in the world, just 22 years old: «The moment is delicate for all the teams. I knew of Hakimi’s departure. The club has promised me that the team will remain strong and competitive as last year, with the same skeleton as the squad. I was told that the other most important players will remain here at Inter ». Inzaghi believes in Calhanoglu: «I’ve always liked him a lot. I think he can do what Luis Alberto did at Lazio. He is a player of quality and quantity. Very good at set pieces. It had been in my head for some time. ‘
Obviously the new coach is waiting for Christian Eriksen, like the whole Inter world: «I spoke to Eriksen before the European Championship, but not after the injury. I’m very sorry. I was aiming for it. He will need his time ». The coach from Piacenza will want to see one characteristic in particular in his Inter: «Intensity. That’s the first thing I’ll ask. In modern football, matches are often decided on episodes and we must have the strength to make them turn in our favor, without breaking down if something goes wrong. After all, my Lazio has won many comeback matches ». At Inter he will find De Vrij already coached at Lazio. But not only: «With Kolarov and Handanovic I even had time to play together. But I will have a great relationship with all the players ».