Turkey coach praises Inter star Calhanoglu & predicts good season for old club Roma | OneFootball

Roma legend and former Milan coach Vincenzo Montella is currently in charge of the Turkish national team and has hailed Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as “one of only 2-3 players in his role at his level.”

Speaking to Sky Sport, with quotes via AlfredoPedulla.com, Montella was full of praise for his central-midfielder but acknowledged “last year he had a few too many physical problems – small issues but constant ones.”

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Now he’s finding consistency,” the coach continued, “and he scored two extraordinary goals against Juventus. I think he’s having a superlative performance with Inter and the national team.”

Roma legend Montella optimistic for Gasperini after Calhanoglu praise

Montella spent ten years at Roma, playing over 250 times for the Giallorossi and scoring 101 goals.

The retired forward helped Roma lift the Scudetto in the 2000-2001 season and was part of the Italy squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2000.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Speaking about his old club and the arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach in the summer, Montella said “They have many young players and a champion like Dybala.”

“They’re equipped with a fast and technical attack with Soule,” he continued, “but also players with physical presence – and they certainly have plenty of room for improvement.”

Montella added that “Roma have started a journey with Gasperini and playing every 3-4 days will help, it can accelerate the adaptation process.”

Montella spent 3 months in charge of Roma himself as interim coach in the second-half of the 2010-11 season, winning seven of his 16 games at the helm.