Ex Udinese Coach Has No Doubt Slovenia EURO 2024 Star ‘Already Ready To Play For Inter Milan’ | OneFootball

Former Udinese coach Gabriele Cioffi feels that defender Jaka Bijol would “already be ready” to play for Inter Milan.

Cioffi praised the 25-year-old Slovenian international while speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews.

Bijol has been one of the most impressive defenders in Serie A outside of the biggest teams over the last couple of seasons.

Since his arrival at Udinese from CSKA Moscow, the Slovenian has really found his feet.

Bijol has shone playing at the centre of a back three for the Friulani. This has been a role that has suited his style of play to the ground.

Bijol’s most notable attributes include his height and physicality as well as anticipation, timing, and man-marking.

That has not just been on display with Udinese. Bijol also had an eye-catching tournament at the Euros this summer with Slovenia.

The 25-year-old started every one of his national team’s matches at the Euros.

Bijol looked unfazed while marking the likes of Harry Kane, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ex Udinese Coach Cioffi: “Bijol Ready To Play For Inter”

It is little surprise that Bijol’s form has attracted transfer interest.

Inter are among the teams to show an interest in the 25-year-old.

The Nerazzurri are well aware that they will have to move on from the likes of Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi sooner or later, given that both are now well into their thirties.

And Bijol is a player with a similar profile to that experienced duo.

The Slovenian has proven himself in the centre of a back three. Therefore he has marked himself out as a candidate to command the Inter penalty area when de Vrij and Acerbi are no longer able to.

Cioffi has coached Bijol with Udinese. He argued that “He’s already ready for Inter.”

“He’s intelligent. He works hard. He’s an extremely positive guy.”

The coach remarked that Bijol is “Physically strong.”

“Given his size he’s not the fastest – but he’s not slow either.”

“He’s a defensive player,” Cioffi said. “He definitely needs to be in the right context to be at his best.”

“At Inter I would see him playing well as the central defender in a back three.”