Ex Lazio Midfielder Backs Inter Milan for Scudetto But Predicts 3-Way Race: “Inter Remain Favorites” | OneFootball

Former Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo has labeled defending champions Inter Milan as the leading contenders for the Serie A title.

However, during his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, Parolo predicts a three-way race for the Scudetto.

Fresh off lifting their 20th league title in 2023/24, Inter entered the new top-flight campaign as the favorites to reclaim the throne.

Yet, while the last term was plain sailing, the 2024/25 season promises a lot more heat.

With Napoli going from strength to strength under Antonio Conte, Inter will unlikely have another walk in the park.

On top of Napoli’s resurgence, heavily reinforced Juventus are keen to return to the top under Thiago Motta.

Therefore, it stands to reason that this year’s title race will go down to the wire.

Adding to this sentiment, only three points separated these clubs ahead of October’s international break.

Former Lazio Midfielder Marco Parolo Backs Inter to Win Scudetto But Expects 3-Way Title Race

“Meanwhile, whoever wins the Scudetto will do so in the last few days,” Parolo was adamant. “Napoli will certainly reach the end, Inter remain favorites, but I also put Juve in.”

Parolo also drew comparisons between Simone Inzaghi and former Inter boss Conte.

“Passion and knowledge; Inzaghi knows who all the players in the world are, Conte is more of a maniacal scholar of tactics.

“For the rest, Antonio is a centralizer who takes total leadership, while Simone becomes a guide with everyone’s consent.

“With one, you adapt to his thinking by seeing an idea and knowing that you will improve and win. With the other, there is perhaps greater empathy.”

Lautaro Martinez has been slow out of the blocks this term. Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram has been in scintillating form.

However, Parolo believes the Intar captain will outscore his attacking comrade before the season ends.

“For me, in the long run, Lautaro will score more goals than Thuram.

“It’s just a matter of malice in looking for the goal.

“Marcus is very strong, but he is going beyond his hypothetical average of goals this season.

“Toro is now behind and remains the real driver for me. I find it hard to think that he scores less than 20 goals in the end.”

Inter addressed several crucial squad areas in the summer, securing depth that could be essential in the long run.

The newcomers should enable Inzaghi to rest his aging stars throughout the campaign.

Parolo touched on this matter too.

“The squad has been lengthened precisely to overcome these problems and increase rotations.

“In the middle, Mkhitaryan, after a stratospheric year, may need to catch his breath.

“At that point, Frattesi and Zielinski must go up,” Parolo concluded.