Vieri: Inter can ‘consider themselves in Champions League’

Former Italian center-back Christian “Bobo” Vieri said Inter is nearly a lock for the Champions League this coming season.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the reason for his confidence is not because of a strong transfer window season, but for what he believes the best signing for Inter Milan this season: new boss Luciano Spalletti.

"I think he's already the best signing of this summer's Italian transfer window. Luciano is though and makes his teams play really well. Inter needs qualities and this coach has plenty of them. I'm sure that with Spalletti Inter can already consider themselves in Champions League.”

He said the Nerazzurri do need “true players” who aren’t intimidated by the San Siro atmosphere. Bobo added that the San Siro should only field “big champions” whether it is Inter or Milan.

He even commented on Chelsea head man Antonio Conte:

“I will just say that he's one of the world's greatest coaches. He's won from the first time and Chelsea wasn't the strongest team in Premier League. They know now well in England that Italian coaches are the best under every aspect, from tactical, to technical and physical.”

Vieri played most of his career at Internazionale, making 143 appearances from 1999 to 2005. He averaged nearly 20 goals per season while with the Nerazzurri. He helped Inter to the Coppa Italia in the 2004-05 season.

Vieri suggested the final top four in Serie A next season as well:

"Juve in first position, then Napoli, Inter and Roma in that order. Milan? It will be tough.”

I kind of like those odds.