ANT’S PREM REJECTS ON TITLE TRAIL
ANTONIO CONTE’S band of Premier League rejects are looking on course to bounce back by being crowned champions of Italy.
Conte, himself discarded by Chelsea despite winning the Premier League, has been prepared to back his judgement – one that has often been questioned after becoming Inter Milan manager.
Winning the Scudetto is in Conte’s DNA – five times as a player with Juventus and three times as manager there.
But Inter was a different proposition – their last league title success had been in 2010 under Jose Mourinho and Juve were seemingly equipped to extend their reign of superiority.
And some of his signings, such as Manchester United trio Ashley Young (below), Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, didn’t set the pulses racing.
But, along with Matteo Darmian who failed to shine at Old Trafford and left for Parma before being recruited by Conte, Chelsea’s Victor Moses and ex-Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen, this unlikely bunch are heading for glory.
There’s also 35-year-old former Manchester City full-back Aleksandar Kolarov, who is almost certain to pick up a league winner’s medal before being released on a free transfer.
But the success story has been played out amid a backdrop of criticism over their style of play – a swift counter-attacking philosophy with little emphasis on possession or intricate passing movements.
“We have one objective – the Scudetto,” said Conte. “After that, we can head to the beauty centre and have our facelifts.”
Conte had to fight hard to sign Lukaku as the Inter hierarchy were not happy with the £75million price tag.
But the Belgium striker has responded with 21 league goals this season and formed a championship-winning partnership with Lautaro Martinez.
Both Lukaku and Martinez are on Manchester City’s radar as they seek a replacement for Sergio Aguero, but
Conte would lead the fight to keep them.
He said: “Romelu is improving and he can become one of the best strikers in the world. After winning the league with Chelsea, I wanted the club to sign Romelu and Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. Look now what these two players have achieved here and at Liverpool.”
Conte does not usually stay long at clubs and you wouldn’t bet against the 51-year-old taking on a new challenge, possibly returning to the Premier League.