After a collaboration at Lazio that lasted for 20 years, Simone Inzaghi left his nest in the Italian capital as Inter handpicked him to be Antonio Conte’s heir at Appiano Gentile. The manager’s older brother, Pippo, is considered to be a legend on this other side of Milano (thanks to the incredible amount of goals he scored for the Rossoneri), but Simone will be looking to make a name for himself at the Giuseppe Meazza as a tactician following a mediocre playing career.
So did the Nerazzurri make the right call? Here are the pros and cons for the appointment of the former Lazio man.
Pro #1 – Tactical Continuity
As calcio fans have probably noticed, Inzaghi adopted a very similar tactical lineup whilst managing Lazio to the one famously deployed by Conte.
Both managers prefer a 3-5-2 formation based on a solid defense, balanced midfield and energetic wing-backs who can support the strikers.
In this regard, Inter couldn’t have found a better replacement for their departed manager than Inzaghi, who already has a squad built to meet his demands.
Con #1 – Lack of Winning Pedigree
Although his tactics may be similar to Conte’s, the new manager’s trophy cabinet can’t be compared to his predecessor’s.
The former Biancocelesti coach won a Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups during his time in the capital.
Whilst his tally can be considered a relatively impressive one for a Lazio manager, one would wonder if his lack of experience with the elite will end up costing him dearly.
Pro #2 – Long Term Project
While Conte has proven to be a short-term solution for whichever club he signed for, his successor on the other hand, showcased his loyalty to the project by sticking to the same club for more than twenty years, including five seasons as a first team manager.
Inzaghi eventually picked the right moment to leave the Aquile, but if he finds a supporting environment at Inter, then he’d happily stick around and help in building the squad.
Con #2 – Tough Locker
The Nerazzurri have some strong personalities in the locker room, but at the same time, they lack a certain core of senators who can help the new boss adapting to the squad.
While Conte was able to handle the locker-room business thanks to his effortless leadership skills, it remains to be seen whether the younger coach can charm his players and make them pay close attention to his instructions.
Pro #3 – Diplomatic Approach
As we mentioned earlier, Simone was able to last for a relatively long period of time as Lazio’s manager, so he must have displayed some special diplomatic skills in order to sustain controversial club president Claudio Lotito.
Therefore, his peaceful nature could be beneficial to the Beneamata’s environment, and should release the tension within the club caused by Conte’s presence.
Con #3 – Won’t Push the Envelop
On the flip side of the coin, the coach mustn’t be TOO diplomatic – especially in the presence of the club’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta who doesn’t really enjoy spending money.
Conte’s no-holds-barred approach forced the club to invest on the market in order to avoid his wrath. And even though the players that arrived haven’t always delivered the goods, but the former Juventus coach was able to build the formation that he desired.
Thus, if Inzaghi doesn’t push hard to ensure that Inter sign the players that he needs, then the management will simply play the “financial difficulties” card to avoid reinforcing the team, and they would eventually use him as the ultimate scapegoat.
Conclusion
Inzaghi enjoyed a relatively successful stint at Lazio, and getting the opportunity to manage Inter is fully-deserved.
Although he seems to be suitable for the role on the tactical level – and perhaps the best available option on the market – Conte left some big shoes to be filled, and anything less a second Scudetto in a row would be considered a failure.
Maybe he will prove us wrong, but succeeding at a very ambitious club that is hit by a financial crisis sounds like a tough task for the younger Inzaghi, who will have to prove that he is the right man for a club that is indeed Not For Everyone.