Journalist Mimmo Cugini, present on Tuttomercatoweb radio, shared his reflections on the championship and the Champions League during the Maracanà evening. In particular, he paid attention to Como, Roma and Inter, highlighting the difficulties and expectations for each team.
Cugini began by talking about Como, underlining that the club is in a moment of transition. "Como is a team with a well-defined identity, which aims to control the game and grow. This year they will have to face a double commitment, both in the championship and in the Champions League, and this will be felt." The journalist also noted that participation in the Champions League represents an important psychological milestone for a club that has never achieved it before, and that it can impact its performance in Serie A. "Como is no longer an underrated team; it must continue to grow and demonstrate that it is at the level of a top-level team," he added.
Subsequently, Cugini analyzed the Roma-Real Madrid match, comparing the two teams of coaches. “I choose Gasperini today because he has a more modern idea of football, but not to belittle Mourinho,” he declared. The journalist highlighted how Gasperini has shown progress in recent years, while Mourinho remains anchored to a more traditional football and low block. “The difference between the two teams was given by the details and the level of some champions who do not forgive mistakes,” he explained, underlining the importance of good tactical preparation.
Finally, Cugini expressed his concerns regarding Inter and Chivu's performance in the Champions League. “It seems to me that something is still missing in Chivu's preparation for the Champions League matches,” he said. The journalist highlighted the lack of a real scorer in defense after the departures of Acerbi and De Vrij, and criticized the lack of balance in the team. “Akanji played as a wingman and always played as a four, as did Stones,” he observed, while highlighting the difficulty of defending the wingers and pressuring the ball carrier. “Bruges were throwing without any pressure on the ball carrier,” he added, highlighting the need to get the defensive balance back together.
In summary, Cugini highlighted the challenges that Como, Roma and Inter face this season, highlighting the importance of adequate tactical preparation and defensive balance to achieve their objectives.