News Focus
- Christian Vieri predicts Inter Milan will win the Coppa Italia final
- The former striker says Cristian Chivu’s success is only starting
- Vieri warns Lazio will fight hard despite losing 3-0 last weekend
- Alessandro Bastoni told to decide his future wisely amid Barcelona interest
- Lautaro Martinez praised as a future Inter legend
Christian Vieri expects Inter Milan to beat Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday. The former Italy striker says the Nerazzurri are the strongest team in the country.
Vieri played for both clubs during his career. He spent one season with Lazio and six years with Inter. He spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport before the match at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Inter is clearly the best side in Italy,” Vieri said. “They are the clear favourites to win the trophy.”
But he warned that Lazio will be dangerous opponents. The teams met at the weekend and Inter won 3-0. However, Vieri says the final will be very different.
“Lazio have had many problems this season,” he explained. “But one win can fix everything. This means they will play with great passion and fight.”
Vieri also praised Inter coach Cristian Chivu. The Romanian won the Serie A title in his first season. Vieri believes this is only the start.
“Chivu does not worry like many people in Italian football,” Vieri stated. “Losing points early was not a problem. Those games helped the team learn.”
He said Chivu handled the Club World Cup pressure very well. The squad was always strong. Vieri always trusted the coach, even though he is young.
“Now he is the champion of Italy,” Vieri said. “And this is just the beginning.”
Vieri noted that several Inter players work very hard. He named Federico Dimarco, Denzel Dumfries and Hakan Calhanoglu. Calhanoglu will miss the final through injury.
He also praised Piotr Zielinski. The coach’s smart ideas helped the midfielder return to good form.
Regarding captain Lautaro Martinez, Vieri made big predictions. He thinks the Argentine could become Inter’s greatest ever goalscorer.
“He can beat the records of Alessandro Altobelli and Giuseppe Meazza,” Vieri said. “He needs about one hundred more goals. But he will keep scoring.”
“He finds the net in every way possible. He is a natural winner,” Vieri added.
The conversation turned to defender Alessandro Bastoni. Barcelona want to sign the Italy star. Vieri gave simple advice.
“He must decide with his heart and his head,” Vieri said. “Nobody else can know what is right for him. We must respect any choice he makes.”
Vieri thinks Bastoni received unfair criticism. He called the defender vital for Inter. But he noted that every player can be replaced.
“Even Lionel Messi left Barcelona,” Vieri pointed out.
Looking at the Lazio side, Vieri named two key players. He picked goalkeeper Edoardo Motta and winger Mattia Zaccagni as ones to watch.
He also defended Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri. Fans have protested against the club this season. Vieri says the manager has done great work in hard times.
“The protests are not against the players,” he explained. “The team deserves applause. Playing in front of only five thousand fans is very hard.”
Vieri believes a full stadium will help Lazio. He does not think they will play the same way they did on Saturday.