Former footballer Massimo Orlando shared his opinions on the program Maracanà on TMW Radio.
Regarding Conte`s recent statements, Orlando commented: “He`s preemptively managing expectations for next season. His goal is to win the Scudetto, if possible. You don`t make such declarations with just five games left in the season. I believe he`s already contemplating a departure.”
When asked about the Scudetto race, Orlando stated: “Inter has impressed me more. Napoli hasn`t played well recently and seems to be struggling. While Inter losing to Bologna is a setback, their overall performance hasn`t been disappointing. Even Inter is vulnerable when key players are missing. If I had to choose a favorite, considering Inter`s commitments, Napoli holds a slight advantage.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding Bologna`s throw-in during a recent match, Orlando said: “The referee should have intervened in that situation, but ultimately, Inter should have defended better.”
Orlando also praised Orsolini`s impressive season: “Orsolini`s talent is undeniable. I`ve seen players called up to the national team who are not even in his league. Spalletti will have his reasons for his selections, but considering the need for quality in the attacking positions, perhaps…”
Discussing Milan`s current form, Orlando noted: “Milan didn`t play poorly. They switched to a three-man defense, which provided more midfield stability. Atalanta scored on a well-executed counter-attack, but in my view, they didn`t deserve to win. This tactical setup makes Milan less exciting but more defensively solid. At least we`re seeing a different approach. It seems to be one of those seasons where things are going wrong for them. It was a dull game, but Milan seemed capable of more. They need to persist with this tactical approach to navigate this challenging season. If Conte arrives, you`ll witness a transformation in Leao. They need strong-willed individuals who can manage players like him effectively.”
Finally, regarding Bologna`s chances in the Champions League race, Orlando concluded: “Bologna is playing well, and there`s a lot of enthusiasm around the team. Italiano is an excellent coach who faced excessive criticism at Fiorentina. If he had a player like Kean, I believe they could have won both cups, especially considering they`ve often played without a natural center-forward. Currently, Bologna is favored in the Champions League race, especially considering Juventus`s upcoming match against Parma, which will be challenging given Parma`s league position.”