BREMEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 26: Lothar Matthaus, TV pundit and former German footballer looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Weserstadion on October 26, 2024 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
BREMEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 26: Lothar Matthaus, TV pundit and former German footballer looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Weserstadion on October 26, 2024 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Inter legend Lothar Matthäus argues that Atalanta are the best team in Italy, but insists that Aston Villa’s goal against Juventus should have stood: ‘Football is a contact sport.’
Former Germany international Matthäus, a 1990 Ballon d’Or winner, believes Atalanta has become the best team in Italy.
La Dea are still unbeaten in the Champions League and are just one point below Serie A table leaders Napoli.
Atalanta won nine of the last ten games across all competitions.
“I follow Serie A, especially on Sundays. Your football continues to grow, and it’s very balanced, with surprises from Lazio, Fiorentina, and Napoli’s return,” the ex-Germany international told Gazzetta.
“But I see from the outside that Atalanta has become the best team.”
Nevertheless, Matthäus is also impressed by his ex-club Inter.
“It’s a unique mix of experienced players and young talents,” he said.
“The coach who has found the right formula. I am really pleased with the level that ‘my’ team has reached, but this is part of a long-term process that hasn’t started only this season.”
Hakan Calhanolgu has been playing a key role for the Nerazzurri over the last few years.
Matthaus insists Aston Villa goal vs. Juventus was valid
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Diego Carlos of Aston Villa fouls Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus, before Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa goes on to score a goal which is later ruled out following a VAR Review, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park on November 27, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)avl
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Diego Carlos of Aston Villa fouls Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus, before Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa goes on to score a goal which is later ruled out following a VAR Review, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park on November 27, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)avl
“He’s a key player,” admitted Matthäus.
“He didn’t make this difference before joining Inter, but evidently, he found the best club for him. There is the right chemistry with the coach and his teammates. Everyone believes in Hakan, and this really makes a difference.”
Inter and Atalanta are unbeaten in the Champions League and are currently in the top eight, which would grant them a spot in the Round of 16.
The tournament is being played with a new formula, which Matthäus enjoys.
“I like it very much. When did we have a chance to watch such a spectacular Liverpool-Real Madrid in November? We had to wait for the semifinal or even the final,” he said.
“Now, all games are spectacular and uncertain, like Monaco-Benfica. Let me add one thing: Aston Villa’s late winner against Juventus should have stood. There was no foul on the Juventus keeper.
“I still think football is a contact sport. VAR wasn’t even necessary for this incident.”
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