Inter Tipped For Supercoppa Italiana Triumph But Warned About Possible Pitfall

Written By Onyeka Daniel

In a matter of hours, we will see an epic clash between two Italian rivals in the Middle East as Inter Milan look to defend their Supercoppa Italiana title won last year against AC Milan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and for Christian Vieri, he believes that Inter are favourite ‘on paper’ and a ‘dangerous’ opponent for Milan in the final, but warned that a Derby della Madonnina can always be ‘unpredictable’.

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The former striker, who had stints for both sides in his playing days, admitted that Sergio Conceição impact on the Rossoneri bench was immediately felt, as he saw a team that is ‘alive’ in the semifinal against Juventus.But regardless of the immediate improvements, Vieri doesn’t expect the Portuguese boss to ‘work miracles’ and ‘change everything’ in the blink of an eye.

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This is why Inter are still considered favourites to lift the trophy after all, despite that the extra ‘motivations and energy’ that a game like this can bring. “For me, facing an Inter like this is dangerous,” Vieri told Sport Mediaset. “The great Sergio [Conceição] is back in Italy, and I’m happy for him. It’s not like he can work miracles and change everything in a single match, but he will gradually leave his mark.”

The former striker wasn’t too surprised about Milan’s quick turnaround against the Bianconeri, as their ‘quality’ makes them a tricky opponent for everyone, including an in-form Nerazzurri side. “On paper, you say Inter [are favourites], but the recent league match-up shows that certain games are unpredictable,” the 51-year-old added in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

“The derby brings out motivations and energy that sometimes go beyond the objective value of the teams. “Until the 70th minute [against Juventus], there was almost no contest, but Milan’s one-two punch, regardless of how it came, didn’t surprise me too much because there’s significant quality in the squad.“ Despite many issues and changes, the most important fact for Conceição emerges: Milan are alive.”

Having played alongside the new Rossoneri manager at Inter, Vieri described him as a ‘special’ and ‘fun’ man, adding that he has some specific demands from his players when it comes to his coaching style. “He’s a great friend, a special man, and a fun one too,” he continued. “As a coach, his career speaks for itself. His Porto was a tough, aggressive team. Sergio demands speed, rhythm, intensity, and commitment to the cause.

“He expects the maximum effort from his players on the pitch, with no concessions for anyone who doesn’t give their all.” He concluded. In a related development, according to a former Nerazzurri defender, Walter Samuel, he urged them to ‘keep their feet on the ground’ if they don’t want to Nerazzurri against a ‘dangerous’ Milan.

The Nerazzurri seemed to continue their moment of ‘great form’ by defeating Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in the semifinal and the ex-centre back sees them on the same level as ‘the best teams’ in Europe. However, he insisted the first Derby della Madonnina of the year comes at a time when they need ‘to be cautious’, as there are some aspects that could turn such an occasion into a tricky one.

Such as Milan’s recent change of coach. “It will be a tough match,” Samuel explained in an interview with Gazzetta. “Milan are dangerous, fueled by the momentum of a new coach, and this is still a derby, even if it’s not being played at San Siro. “Inter, however, are on the level of the best teams and are in great form: against Atalanta, they deserved to seal the game in the first half.

“That said, they have to keep their feet on the ground because there’s still half a season to go. One thing is certain: Inzaghi has a fantastic squad and can compete in all competitions, but this is the time to be cautious.” The former Argentina international also proved particularly impressed with the skills that Inzaghi has been showing throughout his tenure, which are among the secrets of what he considers ‘a complete team’.

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“He has excellent command of his role and knows how to win over his players—a skill not everyone has, especially when dealing with top talents,” the 46-year-old remarked. “He knows how to instill calm in everyone. I had the chance to watch one of his training sessions; he’s very empathetic. “He played with Scaloni, who also spoke highly of him and admires this Inter team. And rightly so, because it’s a complete squad, starting from its defensive organization.” He further added.

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