Filippo Inzaghi: “I hope the Rossoneri will be back in the running for the Scudetto”

Milan’s former number 9 and legend gave a detailed interview about his past, including his time at AC Milan.

The interview

Who will win the league?

“I think Inter has an edge in terms of the quality and depth of its roster. Gasperini’s Roma, however, is impressing me, and I think they can stay in the running until the end. Juventus, too, without the demands of the Champions League could join the fray.

I hope that Milan can once again compete for the Scudetto. As for Como and Napoli, I think the Lombardy team has a better chance of joining the race, even though the road ahead will be anything but easy. I also want to highlight the great work that Rino Gattuso is doing at Lazio, in a challenging situation.”

Are there still club presidents who act as patrons, like Berlusconi or Vigorito?

“The City Group enables me to perform at my best. Berlusconi was an innovator and a visionary for Italian soccer: I don’t need to be the one to remind anyone of his value, but his personality and insights are sorely missed. In Benevento, I met a president who was extraordinary as a person, and who helped me make the dreams of a fan base to which I’m still deeply attached come true. The experience in Pisa also left me with wonderful memories: I found the audience to be knowledgeable and passionate. The images of the Lungarni lined with Nerazzurri fans will stay with me.”

Do we need different rules to save Italian soccer?

“First of all, we need to get more Italian players on the field in Serie A. With young players, we need patience: we can’t write them off at the first mistake. I’m happy to see clubs like Frosinone giving opportunities to so many talented players, and Palermo also has several promising young players. I hope we can build a solid foundation. At Milan, as a player, it was crucial for me to have a core of Italian players. I believe our soccer needs to rediscover something like that.”

A Record-Breaking Start for Palermo, Can They Keep It Up?

“We’ve started off on the right foot, but we’re only at the beginning and haven’t achieved anything yet. Serie B is a tough league, and we have to prove we can maintain this level of performance. We’ve played well in some games, while in others we can improve. After just five matchdays, however, it’s clear that this team still has significant room for growth.”

Never before has there been such a strong start in Serie B history

“We’re happy to have achieved results that no one had ever achieved before with Palermo. This should be an incentive to keep working and try to do even better, not a reason to feel like we’ve already made it.”

How important are the Barbera and the home-field advantage?

“I wanted our stadium to become a strength. People had told me about the pressure you can feel when playing at home, but I’ve always believed that the Barbera should give us energy. I’m glad that’s been the case so far.”

Why the change in formation and the switch to a four-man defense?

“My goal is to put the players in the best possible position to perform. I believe this system can give us more balance and allow each player to make the most of their strengths. I’ve been thinking about a change since January to make the team more effective. With the arrivals of Strefezza and Vasquez, we have additional options, while the wingers at our disposal allow us to effectively implement a four-man defense as well.”

What is your tactical vision, and who inspires you?

“Every coach wants to dominate and win, but first he has to understand what players he has at his disposal. Today, even within a single game, there are various situations to interpret: you have to know how to read them. Having worked for many years with Carlo Ancelotti has taught me a lot, especially when it comes to managing the team. Plus, I’m lucky to have one of the best coaches in Europe in my family.”

Will you stay in Palermo for a long time, even in Serie A?

“I’d really like that. I’ve felt welcome in Palermo from day one and have received an outpouring of affection. I’m grateful to the fans, who supported me even when we didn’t make it to the playoff final. The applause after the game against Catanzaro was one of the most emotional moments of my coaching career. The team and I know we have to repay that trust.”