Andrea Mandorlini, a former coach of Genoa and ex-player for clubs including Inter, recently spoke on `1 Football Club`, a radio program hosted by Luca Cerchione on 1 Station Radio. Below are key excerpts from his interview, offering his insights on various Serie A topics.
Q: Coach, is your mood today influenced by Inter reaching the Champions League final?
A: Absolutely yes. It was a wonderful match, which we all watched. Beyond the result, it showcased everything that Italian football represents. Inter vs Barcelona demonstrated why our sport is the most beautiful in the world, in so many aspects that we were able to experience last night.
Q: Inter played over 120 minutes at very high intensity yesterday: Will the European fatigue impact their league performance, or can the adrenaline of qualification help them forget tiredness?
A: Achieving this goal was too important. Now it`s clear that the league campaign, also looking at the schedule, will be very tough. The players showed yesterday that even those who had inconsistent form, like Frattesi, were ready in a decisive moment. I hope it will be the same for the league, although I believe the primary objective was to reach the Champions League final. Every match will have its own story, and Inter will have to give their all to win them and have no regrets, in case Napoli slows down. But it will be very difficult.
Q: Is Napoli your favorite team for the Scudetto (Serie A title)?
A: In my opinion, yes. Based on their schedule, their current mental form, and the opponents they will face, everything seems headed in that direction. Of course, football is unpredictable, anything can happen. But as of today, Napoli is absolutely the favorite. Not just because of the three-point lead over Inter, but for the reasons I already mentioned.
Q: Napoli is first in the standings even without a 20-goal striker. Lukaku, for example, is stuck at 12 goals: Was more expected from him?
A: Yes, everyone expected more. But ultimately, the team`s result matters. It`s clear that if Lukaku had scored 20 goals, maybe we wouldn`t be here talking about a mere three-point lead. These are general dynamics: Napoli is a very balanced team, very strong defensively. They haven`t had a 20-goal bomber, but many players have scored. The credit goes beyond the individual top scorer. Lukaku has always played and has proven to be an important player. Of course, he could have done more, but within the team`s economy, the dynamics and game situations, he has been fundamental. As I said before, the team is first in the standings: that means something has worked.
Q: In your opinion, after a great season at Fiorentina, has Moise Kean finally found his definitive consistency? Is he ready for a top club?
A: He is at an important team, he has already played for top clubs like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. Perhaps before he hadn`t yet reached the maturity and awareness he seems to have found in Florence today. You see him happy, serene. I hope he continues like this: if he`s ready for a big club, we`ll find out. But this year, apart from Lautaro who is now on another planet, Kean has definitely been the strongest striker in Serie A. He is the future.
Q: Would you recommend him to Napoli as a striker for next season?
A: Absolutely yes. He has incredible qualities, he`s fast, strong in the air, technically gifted in tight spaces and with room to run. I believe he is one of the most interesting profiles.
Q: For Spalletti, regarding the National team, it has been a positive season: besides Kean, Mateo Retegui has also stood out. For your personal preference, who do you prefer between the two?
A: They are very similar. They are mobile strikers, they attack the box, they know how to play with their back to goal, they have technique and physicality. They are finding a maturity they didn`t have before. They are two important profiles, both for clubs and the National team. Preferring one is difficult: let`s say either way, you`ll land on your feet (you can`t go wrong).
Q: Only one spot remains for the Champions League. Inter, Atalanta, and Napoli are certain to qualify. In your opinion, who will take the fourth spot?
A: I saw Juventus play in Bologna, and they made a great impression on me. I believe it will be a direct fight between those two teams. Bologna has great enthusiasm, but I don`t know if they have the same technical value as Juventus. However, it will be a race until the last minute of the last matchday.