Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 8y

Inter Milan must play better football under Roberto Mancini - Arrigo Sacchi

Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi has hit out at Inter Milan's "antiquated" style of play.

The Nerazzurri picked up their biggest win of the season at the weekend, seeing off Frosinone 4-0 at the San Siro on Sunday evening.

Their eight other wins this term have all been by a single goal -- including seven 1-0 victories -- and Sacchi believes Inter boss Roberto Mancini should look to implement a more attacking game.

"I rate Mancini very highly, but I believe he can do a lot better," Sacchi told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Inter display an antiquated football, revised by a person who has clear ideas, but this brand of football would not be appreciated in many countries.

"It's fine in a country like Italy, however, where all that matters is winning. Abroad, football is more of a spectacle, whereas here it's not a spectacle because there is nothing aesthetic about it, and it's not a sport either because the rules are not respected -- just look at all the scandals."

Inter's win over Frosinone took them two points clear at the top of Serie A ahead of their trip to second-placed Napoli on Monday.

But Sacchi said: "As I have said, without merit and beauty, a win is not worth as much because merit and beauty are necessary for any team to develop. I am convinced that Mancini can get his team playing better football.

"Empoli and Sassuolo play harmonious football, Napoli and Fiorentina play some great football and finally, thanks to them, Serie A is producing something different; more beautiful. But Inter play a tight game, exploiting the strength and quality of their individuals. All they care about is winning.

"Look at Real Madrid -- they probably play the worst football around, yet they have the best players in the world. Do you see what I'm trying to say?"

Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi is not concerned about the aesthetics of Inter's game, however.

He was a member of the Nerazzurri squad when they frustrated Barcelona with a display of defensive tenacity and tactical astuteness -- even with 10 men -- to book their place in the 2010 Champions League final, which they won against Bayern Munich.

"They have got everything it takes [to win the league]," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "They are a solid team who can get a result against anybody. Maybe some of their rivals are more attractive to watch, but they are not as incisive.

"Fiorentina and Roma both play better, but I cannot see the Viola keeping this rhythm up until May. The Giallorossi are more complete, but it remains to be seen whether the atmosphere there allows them to hit the bullseye. Napoli are fearsome right now and in [Gonzalo] Higuain, they have one of the top five strikers in the world.

"Juve are recovering, but I don't think they will win the Scudetto. Milan will only make the Europa League, even though [Sinisa] Mihajlovic is a great coach. But if you don't have the quality, then there's not much you can invent."

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