Zeman critical of Inter youth policy

Zdenek Zeman has hit out at Inter’s lack of youth development as he prepares his Roma team to face Andrea Stramaccioni’s side.

Roma are sixth in Serie A, six points behind fourth-placed Inter ahead of the meeting at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the game, the 65-year-old Czech coach questioned the Milan outfit’s ability to produce new talent.

“Today, the nation is turning to young people,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“And it’s better that way. Inter have many important players but I do not think that many young people. In fact they have very few. If they had had more, things would come better for them.”

Roma come into the fixture after a 1-0 extra-time win over Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia last Wednesday, a victory that earned them a semi-final against Inter, but Zeman is in no doubt which game matters the most.

“For me the Italian Cup these days does not count for much, I do not think,” the former Pescara trainer said.

“Indeed, the balance of the season will depend on our position in the league more than the conclusion of the Italian Cup.

“We always aim high to reach those ahead of us. Inter are a top team and must be respected. I hope to see the same desire and the same concentration of the first half against Fiorentina.”

Roma have 32 points from their 20 games in Serie A, while Inter have 38.