2024-04-29 05:38:49
- The younger of the Inzaghi brothers was unable to match the success of goal machine Filippo, but later emerged as a significantly more talented coach
Any self-respecting fan should, without much thought, think of at least three examples of footballers who have never managed to get out of the thick shadow of their far more successful brothers. It is normal for the younger boy in the family to believe that there is nothing easier in the world than to follow the path trodden by his father that will lead him to the top. But fate has a bad habit of playing dirty tricks and almost always pours the big ladle of talent at the feet of only one of the two brothers. For the other, failures and disappointment remain.
Simone Inzaghi had every reason to join the disappointed boys’ club, as even in his best years on the pitch he failed to achieve even a tenth of the success of his brother Filippo. As a footballer, Inzaghi Sr. became a world champion, twice triumphed in the Champions League and won a total of 13 major trophies. As for the younger brother, what can we say… In the family book of successes it is written that he once became the champion of Italy with the Lazio team, won the Italian Cup three times and played three matches for the Squadra Azzurri . The difference in classes is visible from a kilometer away, and over the years those around them did not fail to notice it in the eyes of Simone Inzdagi.
Even after one Champions League match, the TV reporter turned to the younger brother and asked: “Filippo, your comment on the match?” The footballer smiled and promised to answer only if from now on he was called by his birth name. Then the former striker of “Lazio” has been forced dozens of times in interviews to talk about his flesh and blood, realizing that such comparisons are not in his favor. And when he did speak, Simone admitted that he never possessed his brother’s killer flair for goals. Filippo became world famous for his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time to score into an empty net. But it is in this sport that they do not give extra points for the complexity of the composition, so Inzaghi Sr. had no problems conquering the peaks.
Then years passed and the two brothers inevitably had to face the challenges of life after the end of an active sports career. And it was here that things turned in Simone’s favor. He crawled out of his father’s shadow to learn the coaching trade. Filippo also asked to be a manager, but this time he had to learn the hard way the unwritten rule that very successful footballers rarely become successful coaches.
However, Simone was a boy of the golden mean, who both did not get dizzy at the time, and learned hard work and perseverance, and also proved to be talented enough to bring the mission to a successful end. That day, his boys cheered like crazy after beating AC Milan and winning Inter’s 20th league title. But the happiest was their coach, because he finally achieved something extraordinary and managed to beat Filippo in the eternal brotherly competition.
He didn’t get anything ready at Milan. Analysts praised him for finding the right material himself, for which hundreds of millions of euros were not spent. Simeone’s other great success was that he did not rush to copy the style of Guardiola, Klopp or any of the other top managers in European football. The Italian wanted to go his own way and made a number of adjustments to his squad, reassigning players of the caliber of Martinez, Calhanoglu and Dimarco. During the season, he did not bother to change the system of play, although he more often bet on his favorite 3-5-2. His players were taught to press when necessary and to accept play in their own half if the team’s interests required it. Pursuing his goals, Inzaghi also created a successful partnership with CEO Giuseppe Marotta, who brought a bunch of quality players into the team for next to nothing.
Yes, Simone Inzaghi has done his job to the best of his ability this season and despite the dramatic Champions League exit, the fans will be writing an excellent six for their manager. The 20th title means a second star on the emblem, and for the 48-year-old specialist it is a sixth trophy after two Italian Cups and three Super Cups. There are still a few games left until the end of the season, but the coach of the Nerazzurri is certainly already thinking about next season. The question now is whether his plans are only related to the recovery of the Milan giant. His contract with Inter expires in the middle of 2025, and right now there is definitely a hunger for quality coaches in European football. The bosses of the new champion of Italy hastened and have already offered to extend the contract for another two years and a much higher salary to their top employee. The money is undoubtedly important, but for Simone, even more important is the thought that he will finally be able to look his brother straight in the eyes and tell him: “I made it too!”