Samuel warns Inter to ‘keep feet on the ground’ against Milan | OneFootball

Inter have hit the road running in 2025 with a convincing 2-0 win over Atalanta, but their former defender Walter Samuel urged them to ‘keep their feet on the ground’ if they don’t want to slip up in the Supercoppa Italiana final against a ‘dangerous’ Milan.

The Nerazzurri seemed to continue their moment of ‘great form’ by defeating Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in the semifinal and the ex-centre back sees them on the same level as ‘the best teams’ in Europe.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

However, he insisted the first Derby della Madonnina of the year comes at a time when they need ‘to be cautious’, as there are some aspects that could turn such an occasion into a tricky one, such as Milan’s recent change of coach.

Samuel: Inter ‘fantastic’ but need to be ‘cautious’ ahead of ‘tough’ Derby

“It will be a tough match,” Samuel explained in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Milan are dangerous, fueled by the momentum of a new coach, and this is still a derby, even if it’s not being played at San Siro.

“Inter, however, are on the level of the best teams and are in great form: against Atalanta, they deserved to seal the game in the first half.

“That said, they have to keep their feet on the ground because there’s still half a season to go. One thing is certain: Inzaghi has a fantastic squad and can compete in all competitions, but this is the time to be cautious.”

epa11802653 Simone Inzaghi, head coach of Inter FC reacts during the Suppercoppa Italiana semi-finals match between Inter FC and BC Atalanta, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 02 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

The former Argentina international also proved particularly impressed with the skills Simone Inzaghi has been showing throughout his tenure, which are among the secrets of what he considers ‘a complete team’.

“He has excellent command of his role and knows how to win over his players—a skill not everyone has, especially when dealing with top talents,” the 46-year-old remarked.

“He knows how to instil calm in everyone. I had the chance to watch one of his training sessions; he’s very empathetic.

“He played with Scaloni, who also spoke highly of him and admires this Inter team. And rightly so, because it’s a complete squad, starting from its defensive organization.”