The former Rossoneri player: “Allegri gave us the right mentality. Without injuries, Antonio would be there with Chivu”
It’s too early to talk about the reopened championship race, but Christian Panucci is sure that Napoli and Milan have the right weapons to be ready in case Inter continues to limp in the championship.
“Six points are still a good advantage – explains the former defender -, even if as an external spectator I would like an uncertain championship finish.”
Christian Panucci
Milan and Rome
53 years old, former defender played four seasons at Milan and eight at Roma. With Milan he won everything
Did you expect Inter to be in such difficulty? Four matches without winning, counting the Italian Cup.
“It can happen when you have a lot of points ahead. The alarm bell after the latest missteps, however, will help Chivu’s team to increase their concentration. Plus, Lautaro will be back.”
The top scorer in Serie A. Milan, on the other hand, still doesn’t have a player in double figures: is the center forward the problem for Allegri’s team?
“Well, the nine that makes the difference is not only missing from Milan. See Juve, for example. Then of course, I believe that the Rossoneri club has made some mistakes on the transfer market, if two players worth 70 million (Jashari and Nkunku, ed.) are always on the bench. As Capello said, it is always better to take just one strong player than two decent ones.”
The Leao center forward experiment also experienced ups and downs.
“For me he can be a nine, with the defenders that there are in Italy today, but clearly atypical. Not surprisingly, when he struggles to see the ball he widens to the left. I will always defend Leao. Because every time there is a debate about this boy, ignoring what he is: someone who turns the light on and off, but when he presses the switch it makes the difference. It’s also time to stop saying that Leao is a phenomenon when he scores and that he’s worth nothing when he has a bad game. He’s simply like that, a alternating current”.
Second-placed Milan had more continuity.
“Thanks to Allegri’s pragmatism. Milan won’t enchant with their game, but mentally they have made a decisive step forward compared to last year.”
And now comes the away match in Naples…
“Very tough, because Conte has slowly recovered all his men. I am convinced that without injuries Napoli would be there with Inter. Playing without eight or nine players at a time is much more than an alibi for Antonio.”
National Chapter: will we go to the World Cup?
“I’m optimistic, I think so. We are much superior to Northern Ireland and then…”.
“Different styles. Wales have pace and playing there is always complicated, Bosnia has more talent and a lot of pride. But if Italy plays with personality, there isn’t any.”
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