TMW Radio
Stephen Impallomenijournalist and former footballer, spoke to TMW Radioduring Maracanaof the topics of the day.
What do you think about Lazio’s EL debut?
“A game played with determination and effectiveness. I believe that if it continues like this, Lazio can be the revelation of the season. The players responded very well to this turnover. Baroni has quantity but also quality. He lost important players but the choices were right. I liked Baroni yesterday who said he wants to transform the team by giving it an offensive style of football. And it shows. The Ukrainian teams, however, are feeling the effects of the conflict, you see them really sad and without an identity. This does not take anything away from Lazio’s victory, but certain teams have lost strength”.
Locatelli said that Juve is not hiding for the Scudetto. But on Saturday they must win and that’s it against Genoa:
“It’s true, Juve can’t think about the title? They have to do it for their history, it’s in their nature. I don’t know if they’re ready to win, but they’re always under pressure. Locatelli is right, there’s no need to hide. A lot has changed at Juve, let’s see what happens after the second break. Now Motta has to add a bit of spice up front, otherwise we won’t get anywhere. At the back, however, they’ve found the right set-up and have done a huge job”.
Infantino’s Club World Cup at risk, what do you think?
“If it were to fall through, would it be a failure for Infantino? I would say so. I think the primary aspect is the contracts, which expire in June. We know the dates but for now the TV channels have turned them down. We need to hurry.”
Napoli in the Coppa Italia tonight. But did they really come out better from the challenge with Juve?
“He has a commitment a week, there’s Conte who is incredibly hungry, he wants to play football and has the possibilities, but I’ll take my time to say if he can fight to win. Napoli is at 10, Inter at 8 and we know how it started, but for now no one is running away. It means that the competition is still weak. If Inter goes back to being Inter, they win”.
Maignan’s contract renewal is close with Milan. Do you think this decision is right?
“Yes, because there are few strong goalkeepers around. He has a recognized leadership and has an important role both here and in France. If he stays it is because he wants to win.”
How would it help Vlahovic?
“By putting someone technical next to him and more supplies from the wings. Motta has to invent something. He has to win and understand how to do it. If he didn’t like Vlahovic, he should have thought about it before”.