At 82 years old, Dino Zoff He does not lose the lucidity that characterized him as a player, also as a coach. Follow very close to one of his gifts, Simone Inzaghi, whom he met during his time as sports director and coach of Lazio. “Currently he is the best coach in Italy,” says the captain of the Azzurra champion in Spain ’82 with aplomb. In the same reference he has praise for Alexis Sánchez: “He has earned a good dose of confidence based on his large participations”. However, advises the Boy Wonder to look for another destination if he wants more space. consulted by The best Chilean he saw in Serie A does not hesitate: ““Marcelo Salas”.
How have you seen Inter Milan this season?
I have seen this Inter Milan very strong. It is, practically, an invincible team in Italian football. The company managed to create a very balanced team in all sectors. He won the Serie A championship without any major upsets, with a large points difference. Perhaps his biggest sin was the elimination in the Champions League, but he was there, fighting for his chances, he only went on penalties.
Do you have that much difference over the rest in the Italian Serie A?
It is the best team in our country, at least in these last two seasons. Although they did not win the tournament last year, they were able to reach the Champions League final, something that had not happened in a long time among Italian clubs (Juventus lost against Madrid in 2017). Inter has a very strong team and I don’t think it will be dismembered in the next market.
Is Simone Inzaghi the best coach in Italy today?
I have known him for many years at Lazio. Inzaghino is a very practical technician, fewer words and more actions, that makes everything easier. He is a coach who plays forward, very hard-working, concerned with details. The results support it. I believe that he is the best coach in Italian football, at least currently.
How have you seen Alexis Sanchez in this Lombard team?
Alexis Sánchez is an important part of the team. An essential player in the squad, he brings important experience to the rest of his teammates that is noticeable at least on the field. Every time he enters he delivers an important contribution. He is a good refreshing footballer in Inzaghi’s scheme.
You believe that the Chilean Can he be a starter in this Inter Milan?
Well, coach Inzaghi knows them all well, maybe he could answer the question better than me. The issue here is that there are many players on the squad. Specifically, up front, there is an important concurrence of strong players such as Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. But, as he told him, every time the Chilean has entered the field he has tried to make his teammates play. He has earned a good dose of confidence based on the large shares of him.
Would you advise him to leave the team in search of more space?
Staying at Inter could be a good choice for Alexis Sánchez. It is a great team, Inter being there is always important, because they will fight every year for a title. We will see what the leadership thinks about the next market.
Could he have more options outside of Inter?
Well, you have to think that 35 years is not short. It is true that he can make an important contribution to the team at certain times, but it is very difficult for him to take a starting position. If what he wants is to play more minutes next season, perhaps Inter Milan is not the team that suits him. Although there is also the other side of the discussion, since if he stays he will surely continue adding titles in his career, because he will be in a top squad in Italy and Europe.
Then it’s better that you leave…
It is possible that the Chilean can play many games well, but he will not have as much space. If Sánchez wants to play more, he must leave Inter Milan. Perhaps in another minor team or in another league he can exploit his characteristics and level more.
How do you see Italy for Euro 2024 in Germany?
The Italian team is a team under construction, it has many new players, but with a lot of potential. We also cannot forget that he is the current champion of the tournament, that also puts him on a special level. Our country has always produced good footballers, perhaps these are not exceptional like those of other generations. But let’s hope they can live up to it in a competition as important as the Euro Cup.
What is your opinion of the current Squadra Azzurra coach Luciano Spalletti?
He is a very good coach. The team has a clear idea of the game and has been able to rescue many players who were not on the radar to bring them to the team. Furthermore, he managed to make Napoli champion, a team that had not won the Scudetto since 1990. That is something extraordinary in the history of our football.
Who is the best Chilean soccer player that you saw play in Italian soccer, in your entire career?
The best Chilean player that I have seen in Italy is Marcelo Salas. A great champion, who had no problems immediately succeeding in our football. For me he also has a special appreciation, because I was at Lazio when we went to look for him. A very brave forward. There are also others like David Pizarro, who succeeded in many clubs. He left a great memory here. Those are the two best.
