In a candid interview, legendary Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga discussed the performance of current Inter custodian Yann Sommer, offering a staunch defense of his skills. Zenga acknowledged Sommer's fluctuating form but emphasized his experience and inherent quality. Looking ahead, Zenga also outlined his preferred choices for Inter's goalkeeping position should Sommer depart, highlighting promising Italian talents. The discussion further touched upon the impressive turnaround at Juventus under Luciano Spalletti and Inter's dominant position atop the Serie A table, attributing their success to strategic coaching and resilient team spirit.
Walter Zenga, a revered figure in Inter's history, openly addressed concerns surrounding Yann Sommer's tenure. While acknowledging that every goalkeeper experiences ups and downs, Zenga firmly believes that Sommer possesses the necessary experience and quality to be a reliable presence between the posts. He underscored that it's unproductive to dwell on individual mistakes, advocating for a broader perspective on Sommer's overall contribution and veteran composure.
With Sommer's contract approaching its expiration, and reports suggesting Inter might not renew his deal, Zenga proactively identified his top picks for a potential successor. His recommendations predominantly feature Italian goalkeepers, with Guglielmo Vicario and Marco Carnesecchi leading the list, followed by Caprile. This preference indicates a belief in the local talent pool and a desire for goalkeepers who understand the nuances of Italian football.
Beyond Inter's goalkeeping situation, Zenga also offered his insights on other prominent Serie A figures. He lauded Luciano Spalletti's transformative influence at Juventus, noting the team's significant improvement under his guidance. Zenga, having faced Spalletti's teams as a coach, praised his distinct tactical identity and the recognizable playing style he instills in his squads, which has clearly propelled Juventus up the league standings.
Reflecting on Inter's current standing, Zenga admitted surprise at their dominant performance in Serie A. Despite a challenging previous season culminating in a Champions League Final defeat, Cristian Chivu has masterfully steered the team to a five-point lead over Milan. Zenga applauded Chivu's ability to recover from setbacks and implement a fluid, vertical style of play that has resonated with the team and yielded impressive results, securing their position as league leaders.
Concluding his observations, Zenga touched upon a common critique leveled against Inter: their struggle to defeat direct rivals. However, he dismissed this concern, pointing out that despite not overcoming teams like Juventus, Napoli, or Milan in recent Serie A encounters, Inter remains at the summit of the league. He expressed confidence that the team shares this perspective, understanding that consistent performance across the season is paramount, though he acknowledged the psychological boost that a victory against Juventus would provide.
