The Italian says his club must model the approach of the Bundesliga champions if they wish to become one of the best sides in Europe again
AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi has highlighted Bayern Munich as the perfect model to emulate as the club bid to compete with Europe’s elite once again.
The Rossoneri are seven-time winners of the Champions League but failed to qualify for the competition this season after finishing a lowly eighth in Serie in 2013-14.
That finish saw Inzaghi replace Clarence Seedorf in the Milan dug-out, with the former striker tasked with guiding the club to a top three finish and a place in Europe’s elite competition.
After 15 games, the San Siro club sit in sixth place, two points behind third-placed Lazio, and the Italian has pointed to Bayern as an example to follow in their quest for a return to the continent’s top table.
“Bayern Munich should be our reference point if we want to return to being successful,” he said at Thursday’s press conference.
“I read the other day that [Franck] Ribery said Guardiola changes tactics 10 times in a game – they’re a great example of flexibility and we need to follow that if we want to be the best again.”
Milan face Roma in Serie A on Saturday, knowing that victory and results elsewhere ending in their favour could see them move into third spot in the table.
Inzaghi says his players have nothing to lose going into the game and is convinced they will enjoy a successful 2015.
He added: “After the Genoa game I was angry because it was a game we shouldn’t have lost. I knew that we needed a great performance against Napoli.
“We don’t have much to lose on Saturday. If we get a good result that will be important for our growth, as it will come from playing well.
“I have to look at performances, and I hope that against Roma the team plays another good game.”
The former Juventus striker also spoke of his relationship with Italy boss Antonio Conte, who he played alongside for the Bianconeri, and met earlier this week along with several other Serie A coaches to establish the availability of certain players for upcoming internationals.
“I have a great relationship with Conte.
“I’m available, and so are Milan, and whenever it’s possible we’ll always give him a hand.
“It makes me proud if my players are called up the national team.”