Inter Milan's Manager Displays Fiery Determination: Ready to Battle Conte's Return to Serie A

In football, as in life, the concept of "predecessors" often brings about complex emotions. Some people, like Zhang Kangyang (Steven Zhang), excel in managing these relationships. Since taking over Inter Milan, Zhang has often been compared to the club's former owner, Massimo Moratti, and has faced considerable criticism as a result. However, after leading Inter to their first Serie A title under his leadership, Zhang sincerely invited Moratti to preside over the championship celebration. Though Moratti declined, he praised Zhang profusely, feeling deeply moved by the gesture. Now that Zhang has left Inter, the club's supporters in the Curva Nord have shown their gratitude for him over several matches, reminiscent of their affection for Moratti. Unbeknownst to many, fans have begun to categorize Zhang and Moratti as being of the same ilk. This shift in perception stems not only from the eight trophies and two European finals achieved over eight years but also from these small, meaningful gestures.

On the other hand, some individuals struggle to handle such relationships. After Inter’s historic treble, Rafa Benítez took over the team and immediately removed all images of José Mourinho. During press conferences, Benítez frequently lost his temper when journalists constantly mentioned the Special One. The pressure of living in Mourinho's shadow was suffocating for Benítez, who desperately sought equal recognition and adoration. He was fed up with people praising Mourinho as a way of criticizing him. His frustration boiled over after winning the FIFA Club World Cup, demanding that Moratti show "equal respect" with three new signings, or he would resign. Ultimately, Benítez's departure from Inter was a result of the "predecessor's halo."

Similarly, Simone Inzaghi has been plagued by the predecessor's shadow for three years. Inzaghi succeeded Antonio Conte at Inter. In Italy, due to cultural and societal reasons, some figures possess an idol status that is hard for outsiders to understand. Their successors often face additional challenges. For instance, Silvio Berlusconi, despite his controversial reputation, has a steadfast fanbase in Italy because his lifestyle, controversial in many parts of the world, is accepted and even admired in Italian culture. Likewise, Conte enjoys immense popularity among Italian football fans, far beyond what Inzaghi can match. Feedback from platforms like Twitter and Instagram shows that some fans appreciate Conte’s coaching achievements and fighting spirit, while others admire his audacity to criticize anyone. Additionally, a group of fans holds Conte in high regard because he often worked one to two years but secured salaries for three to four years, a lifestyle that seems dreamlike to Italians who detest work and the 996 working schedule.

Inzaghi has endured much criticism due to this predecessor's halo. Football is a subtle game, and there often isn't a clear answer to whether a particular viewpoint is reasonable. For example, when Inzaghi led the team to a championship, Conte's fans claimed that much of the credit belonged to Conte, as Inzaghi relied on "the wealth left by Conte." Even though Inter's net transfer investment under Inzaghi was negative €60 million over three years, compared to Conte’s positive €170 million over two years, and despite significant squad changes under Inzaghi, the view that Inzaghi’s success was primarily due to Conte persisted. Once the argument is shifted to "winning mentality," it becomes difficult to quantify and refute.

During successful periods, such arguments might be bearable, even if controversial. However, during tougher times, when Conte's fans criticize Inzaghi for losing the Champions League final and suggest that Conte would have beaten Manchester City, it becomes intolerable. Last year, Inzaghi, usually elegant and mild-mannered, finally snapped. Frustrated by the constant shadow of his predecessor, he lashed out, stating, “Conte? Inter won a league title, then encountered financial problems. In the past 18 months, we won some trophies and reached the Champions League final. Criticizing Simone Inzaghi is easy because sometimes manners and wisdom can be confused in life.” His outburst, essentially calling Conte’s fans uncivilized and foolish, revealed the depth of his anger and frustration.

Today, Inter Milan has concluded their season. Reporters once again posed questions about Conte to Inzaghi, given widespread rumors that Conte is set to join Napoli, a story that even made the front page of La Gazzetta dello Sport. Inzaghi responded, “Conte always does well, whether at Inter or elsewhere. I look forward to seeing him again! I will closely follow the news!” During the press conference, Inzaghi repeatedly emphasized that although Inter won the Serie A title under his leadership this season, he does not consider only this year a success. He believes his three-year tenure at Inter has been a great journey.

The signs indicate that Inzaghi remains haunted by the threat of losing his job from last year, still bitter about the criticisms he faced in his first two years, and unable to let go of the "predecessor's shadow." Therefore, the best solution is clear: Conte’s return to Serie A is imminent, so let’s face off directly! Let’s see who truly is the better manager! This prospect has excited those who enjoy a good spectacle. If Conte returns to Serie A, next season’s league is guaranteed to feature two unmissable clashes, combining the wisdom, emotions, and grudges of two outstanding champion coaches.