Sacchi: Only the Champions League can ‘slow Inter down’ in Serie A title race

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 16: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Arrigo Sacchi believes Inter deserved to beat Atalanta and feels that only the Champions League can ‘slow down’ their race for the Serie A title.

The defending champions beat Atalanta 2-0 on Sunday, extending their lead over Gian Piero Gasperini’s side and Napoli who had been held to a 0-0 draw by strugglers Venezia in the lunchtime game.

“All in all, I believe Inter’s victory was well deserved: they did more in the attacking phase, were more dangerous than Atalanta, and proved to be the superior team,” Sacchi wrote in his Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“I must admit, I expected a bit more from Gasperini’s side; they lacked that spark we have often seen and admired in recent years. Nonetheless, they remain a great team, and despite the defeat and the six-point gap from Inter in the standings, they should be a source of pride for the entire city of Bergamo.

Sacchi: Only the Champions League can ‘slow Inter down’ in Serie A title race

“From the very start, it was clear that this would be a very physical match, almost an English-style game. And that’s exactly how it played out. There were even a few rough challenges, which should certainly be condemned. However, both coaches set up the match on this level, and Inter showed they had the energy to spare.

“That said, Lautaro and his teammates’ surge was significant, as they left their opponents behind, who now have to absorb the blow and get back on track,” Sacchi continued.

“In my opinion, only international fixtures could slow Inter down, but if Inzaghi (and I have no doubt about it) manages to rotate his squad wisely, I believe the Nerazzurri can go all the way with their arms raised in triumph.

“Napoli undoubtedly missed an opportunity by drawing away to Venezia. Everyone expected a win from the Partenopei,” Sacchi concluded.

“It’s true that they had several chances to score and tried in every possible way, but Conte’s team must absolutely rediscover the fluidity in their play that defined them in the first part of the season. I understand that it’s not an easy task, as the fatigue of the league campaign is now taking its toll, and to me, Napoli looked quite tired. However, regaining that rhythm is the only way to stay in the race for the Scudetto.”