For the first time in years Inter don’t start the new season as favourites but the 38-year-old Argentine says within the club they see things differently.

“We’ve won a lot these last years and we remain a group that can  aim to win everything,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“None of us think we’re not favourites. We know how much we want  it and all we need is to stay injury free.” 

On a personal level, Zanetti is just five games short of Bergomi’s Inter appearance record of 758 matches.

If he is picked for every game, Zanetti will match Bergomi’s record on September 24 against Bologna and then beat it in Moscow against CSKA the following Tuesday.

“It all depends on the choices (new coach Gian Piero) Gasperini makes but if it happens, it will be a fantastic day (when he matches Bergomi),” added Zanetti.

“It’s an aim that I’m crazy about because I’ll match a legend like the uncle, who opened the door for me when I arrived at Inter.” 

Bergomi, who is regarded as one of Italy’s best ever defenders, is affectionately referred to as ’Lo zio’ (the uncle) because of the impressive moustache he wore.