Lippi on Serie A title race, favourite Italy player, Tonali and Calafiori | OneFootball

Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi feels Inter are favourite to win the Serie A title, but is impressed by his former player Antonio Conte and feels ‘one between’ Bastoni, Calafiori, Tonali, and Retegui will become a ‘top player’ for Italy.

Inter and Napoli meet on Saturday in a crucial game for the Serie A title at the Stadio Maradona. Lippi, a serial Serie A winner with Juventus and a 2006 World Cup winner with the Azzurri, shared his view on the title race in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.

“Honestly, Inter are stronger and have the potential needed to emerge,” he said.

“Napoli have done well to stay at the top. And don’t forget Atalanta.

“Conte was my ‘student’ and a point of reference. I know Inzaghi less, but I see great growth in his journey. In my opinion, Inter can win the Champions League.

Lippi on Serie A title race, favourite Italy player, Tonali and Calafiori

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

“Conte has brought Napoli back to Spalletti’s standards, and it’s not magic. It’s the quality of a top coach’s approach. However, with a packed schedule, Inter have an advantage over Napoli. I remember having players who didn’t even want to sit out during friendlies.”

Inter are the only Serie A team still involved in three competitions this term. They are the Serie A leaders with a one-point lead over Napoli, but they have also qualified for the Coppa Italia semifinals and the Champions League Round of 16.

Lippi also replied to questions about Italian coaches, including ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri:  “I’ve always said he reminds me of myself the most. I hope he’s taken it as a compliment,” said Lippi, who then added: “The best is always Ancelotti.”

Luciano Spalletti’s Italy will meet Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals next month.

“Spalletti is the ideal coach for this Italy side. I’ve often talked football with him, and we see it the same way. I like his vision,” Lippi revealed.

“Barella is the one I like the most, but one among Bastoni, Calafiori, Tonali, and Retegui will soon become a top player. My Italy side had outstanding balance, we attacked and defended with excellent quality, and we had incredible alternatives like Del Piero.”

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 27, 2025, page eight.