Monza manager Ivan Juric says Internazionale are “from another planet” and the strongest team in Italy as he prepares for Sunday’s Serie A opener at San Siro.
Juric’s side begin their league campaign against the reigning champions while dealing with a number of injury and transfer issues. Matteo Pessina and Akpa Akpro will both miss the match, while new signing Toure is not yet ready to make his debut.
“We are currently in a very difficult period, with both injury problems and transfer issues that we are working on,” Juric said.
The Monza coach acknowledged that his squad still has clear weaknesses, but praised the attitude of his players before their opening fixture.
“The team has obvious shortcomings, but the lads are doing very well. Pessina and Akpa Akpro will both be absent.”
Internazionale will begin the match as strong favourites after winning the Serie A title, and Juric believes their consistency and tactical identity set them apart from the rest of the division.
“They are like from another planet, they have been playing like this for many years. The tactical philosophy is always the same, they are the strongest team in Italy.”
Juric said Toure, who can operate on the right but was signed to play in midfield, needs to build up his fitness before being considered for selection.
“He can’t play yet, he has to start training first. He can play on the right, but we signed him to play in the middle. Against Internazionale, we will try to enjoy the game, and I will tell the players the same thing.”
The coach was broadly pleased with Monza’s recruitment but admitted the club would still like to strengthen its squad before the transfer window closes.
“I am satisfied with the new signings, they are exactly the type we are looking for. Although they don’t have much experience, there is a lot of room for growth. If some players arrive too late, things will be more complicated. If you ask me if I expect more, my answer is I always expect more, but now we hope to finish the job well.”
Juric also said he remains committed to his own approach after experiencing less successful spells in previous coaching roles. He believes Monza’s combination of ambitious young players and experienced professionals can help the team develop.
“I will continue my own path, we have hungry young players, and also veterans who want to continue to improve themselves. We are training in all aspects, including the physical aspect.”
Monza have not yet decided whether they will use a back three or a back four at San Siro. Juric said his team would aim to remain positive rather than retreat deep and absorb constant pressure.
“We will see whether to play with three or four defenders. We will not sit too deep, and we don’t want to be under too much pressure.”
Although he expects Internazionale to pose significant problems, Juric insisted Monza would not approach the game as if defeat were inevitable.
“I don’t want to go to the San Siro just to defend, of course we will definitely experience difficulties, but I like to give it a try.”
Asked about possible transfer targets Masolin and Asllani in Internazionale’s squad, Juric declined to discuss individual players. Instead, he called for greater unity from everyone connected with Monza and said he hoped the club could change its mindset.
“I’m not talking about that. I want to tell the fans that everyone must be more united and work hard to achieve relegation. I hope the team changes its mindset. We want to open up a very beautiful path.”
