Michele Serena, coach and former player for Juventus, Inter, and Monza, among others, spoke on `1 Football Club`, a radio program hosted by Luca Cerchione on 1 Station Radio. Below is an excerpt from the interview.
The match between Napoli and Monza, with Monza at the bottom of the table. You also played for Monza. What pitfalls can this match hide?
`We saw it last Sunday with Venezia, which seemed like an easy match, but Venezia only found the goal towards the end. Monza, it seems to me, is practically in Serie B. However, they have honored this championship with great dignity and will play the match to the end. Napoli must be good at closing the matter quickly and then managing it.`
If Napoli wins, with Inter playing later, do you think it would increase the pressure on the Nerazzurri?
`So far, Inter has shown that they are not too conditioned. The only thing that could have an impact is a possible elimination from the Champions League, which could psychologically affect someone. But in recent years, Inter has made 4-5 important rotations, always maintaining a high level of quality. A lot will depend on the outcome of tonight`s match. It would be a disappointment not to pass the round, especially because we are talking about a team that played a great match in the first leg, managing to win away from home where Bayern had not lost for four years. We all expect Inter to continue this journey in the Champions League. If they don`t, there would certainly be regret.`
As a former defender, did you expect Buongiorno to be so plagued by injuries this season? And what do you think of Juan Jesus`s performance?
`Juan Jesus has always shown that he is up to par, even in the past, when he was called upon. Regarding Buongiorno, I honestly don`t know the reasons for the injuries. He may have suffered different pressure compared to what he was used to in Turin, but beyond that, I can`t add much. I don`t know the details of his injuries.`
You also wore the Bianconeri jersey. Do you think Igor Tudor will be the coach of Juve next season as well?
`Sometimes we go looking for something far away when maybe we have it under our eyes. The results, for now, are on his side. In the last match, I saw the old-style Juve again. If they decide to confirm him, it will be because he deserved it on the field, for what he has done and is showing.`
Are you satisfied with Lukaku`s contribution to Napoli?
`From what I`ve seen, I would say yes. I watched the match on Monday: he is an important player, even when he doesn`t score, he is still able to be decisive for the team and for his teammates. He has a specific spirit and an important weight within the locker room. Knowing Conte, I know that he wanted him at all costs, and the boy is proving that he deserves it.`