Exclusive – Inter Milan Legend Sandro Mazzola: “I Can See Inzaghi Replace Guardiola At Man City – Hope He Stays” | OneFootball

Inter Milan and Italy legend Sandro Mazzola believes Simone Inzaghi would be the ideal replacement for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The legendary former Inter Milan striker Mazzola told SempreInter.com exclusively that he could see Simone Inzaghi do a job at Man City after Guardiola departs.

However, Mazzola, a noted Inter fan reiterated that he hopes Simone Inzaghi stays with Inter Milan for many years to come despite thinking he would be the ideal Guardiola replacement.

Simone Inzaghi has been linked with a move to the Premier League for many seasons now. Arsenal has been rumored as being interested in appointing Inzaghi.

So has Manchester City after Pep Guardiola leaves. When he leaves. In November 2024 Pep Guardiola signed a contract extension with Manchester City until the end of June 2027.

Recently outrageous claims have linked the former Lazio coach with a move to Tottenham.

However, Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta made it clear that a contract extension with Simone Inzaghi is “just a formality.”

This would suggest a new deal is imminent. Simone Inzaghi’s current deal with Inter Milan expires in June 2026.

Sandro Mazzola – I Can See Inzaghi As The Replacement For Guardiola At Man City But I Hope He Stays At Inter

1973: The Italian football team who qualified for the 1974 World Cup after beating Switzerland. Back row, left to right: R Benetti, D Spinosi, Gianni Rivera, Dino Zoff, G Morini, Luigi Riva. Front row: Fabio Capello, Giacinto Facchetti, Pietro Anastasi, Sandro Mazzola, T Burgnich. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

“I both hope and think that Inzaghi will stay at Inter for many years to come. Then if he continues to win trophies, who can send him away?” Mazzola began.

“More than at Arsenal, I see Inzaghi hypothetically as a replacement for Guardiola at Manchester City, but as I said I hope he stays at Inter.”

Mazzola was then asked if he thought that Simone Inzaghi could stay at Inter so long as to become the Nerazzurri’s Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It would be beautiful if it happened. It could happen, but you never know. In Italian football this is very difficult” Mazzola continued.

The legendary former Inter Milan striker was then asked what he believed were areas Inzaghi could improve, as well as name what Inzaghi’s strength are.

“It is difficult to say where he needs to improve. I would need to see him come out of a couple of complicated matches first. To see how he resolves these situations.

“However, generally speaking, Inzaghi is outstanding at controlling and maintaining a dressing room, as well as tactically speaking and preparing for games.”

Mazzola was then asked if in his opinion Inzaghi has matured since losing the Serie A title to AC Milan in his first year at Inter.

“Mamma mia, I don’t even remember that season anymore. I won’t say anymore [laughs]” Mazzola joked.

Sandro Mazzola – I Enjoy Watching This Inter Play Like A Kid

The former La Grande Inter striker was asked if Simone Inzaghi’s Inter play the most beautiful football any Inter team has ever played.

He was also asked how much he enjoys watching this Inter play today.

“This question raises a very correct thesis. These last few years Inter have played very well.

“Simone [Inzaghi] is doing great things. Of course I am enjoying watching it. In fact, I call all my friends to talk about it like a kid” Mazzola continued.

“However, from an aesthetical point of view of the football played, I have to say that both us and them, played and play great football.

“When you see the three midfielders that pass the ball around, switch positions and run to score you say ‘These are those Inter players'” Mazzola added.

When asked about which Inter would win if his Inter played today’s Inter who would come out on top, he wouldn’t say.

“Hypothetically, it would be a beautiful match. Great entertainment. It would be lovely to score the equalizing 4-4 in the last minute. I would go if the match was organized.”

Sandro Mazzola – Champions League Clash Against Bayern Munich Tough But Inter Can Do It

Mazzola was asked about Inter Milan’s chances in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich.

“The Champions League clash against Bayern will be very tough. However, Inter can do it if they prepare well” Mazzola began.

“The key is mentality. You have to first plan the game and then execute that plan to the maximum.

“Previous encounters and history don’t enter the pitch. If you’re not strong enough on the day you risk losing. Luckily, today Inter are very strong” Mazzola continued.

Do you think it is realistic to think that Inter can repeat the treble from 2010?

“You should never say this out loud. Think about it, but don’t say it out loud. Inter have strong players.

“I wont say who my favorite Inter players are today or someone will try to buy them! [laughs].

What speaks for Inter winning the treble and what in your opinion are the arguments for Inter not winning the treble?

“When you asked me this, you know what I touched? I touched wood. Out of superstition [laughs].”

Sandro Mazzola – Mehdi Taremi Needs Time & Piotr Zielinski Is A Good Player

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Crvena Zvezda at Stadio San Siro on October 01, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Mehdi Taremi and Piotr Zielinski have been the subject of criticism since joining Inter. With regards to Mehdi Taremi, it has been that he is not good enough to play for Inter.

“I like Taremi. I just think he still needs to adapt better to Italian football. You now it isn’t easy to adapt to Italian football. Already when they say “you are an Inter player”, you get a fever,

“So yes, we should give him time. The Inter shirt too heavy? Absolutely not. It is as light as a feather [smiles]” Mazzola began.

With regards to Piotr Zielinski, Sandro Mazzola believed he could be useful once he is back from injury.

“I like him. First we have to let him recover from his injury and then we will see. He could be useful. Let’s not forget what he did at Napoli. Again, I repeat, he is a good player.”

Sandro Mazzola – I Hope Lautaro Martinez Wins The Ballon d’Or

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 19: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale poses for a photo with the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy at full-time following the team’s draw in the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Mazzola was then asked about Lautaro Martinez winning the Ballon d’Or. And if there are any players today that he thinks could be the next Sandro Mazzola in all of football.

“Where can we see a Mazzola today? [laughs]. I can say that I hope to see one soon.

“It would be beautiful if Lautaro wins the Ballon d’or. I would also celebrate the team trophies from morning to night. [laughs].”

Sandro Mazzola – Reducing Serie A To 18 Teams An Option To Consider Given Too Many Games

The epidemic of ACL and other injuries have been a major talking point. This is in no part due to the number of matches players play.

Many have raised the issue of reducing the number of teams to 18 in the Serie A as a means to reduce the number of matches and injuries.

In fact, if Inter reach the Champions League and Coppa Italia finals they will have played 68 matches. Without counting the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

In conclusion, Mazzola was asked to share his thoughts in the issue. And what he thinks about reducing the Serie A to 18 teams.

“Yes, they play a lot of games. The preparation required is completely different compared to when we played.

“And you need to be prepared mentally at the beginning of the season for what is to come. Maybe reducing the Serie A to 18 teams could be an option to consider.”

Sandro Mazzola’s latest book is co-written with Fernando Coratelli, published by Piemme.