I think it’s safe to say that Simone Inzaghi’s stay has been successful so far. After taking over Antonio Conte’s championship-winning side in 2021, Inzaghi has since won six major trophies and a Champions League runners-up spot for the Nerazzurri.
But aside from tactical brilliance, Inzaghi has at his disposal immense talent. The reigning SBOTOP Serie A winners only lost two matches in the league last year, scored a total of 89 goals, and conceded only 22.
Despite their starting keeper making his way to England before the start of the season—along with Edin Dzeko, Samir Handanovic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Danilo D’Ambrosio leaving as well—it surely didn’t affect the Nerazzuri as much as their opponents would have hoped for.
But if they are to defend their Scudetto for the first time since 2010, they may need to tinker with their squad a tad.
Italy’s finest
Serie A 2024 odds had Inter as one of the favourites to win the title; good on them to be spot-on.
Heading into next season, former Napoli and Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said that the Nerazzurri are the best in all of Italy, with their midfield being one of Europe’s best.
“Inter have one of the strongest midfields in Europe. I don’t know if the team will remain the same. If so, they will start one step ahead of the others,” he said.
And he couldn’t be further from the truth.
The trio of Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan worked wonders for Inzaghi’s side throughout their championship-winning season. They complement each other well and are often in harmonious sync with their defenders.
Calhanoglu was the one pulling the string with his excellent vision and playmaking skills, as he provides the support from a deep-lying role; Barella operates on the right-hand side and provides solid threat both in attacking and defending; and Mkhitaryan is always an extra option moving forward whilst making commendable effort when needed at the back.
Inzaghi’s preferred formation (3-5-2) allows for the wing-backs to be flexible on the pitch, help in the midfield, drop back to defend, or make runs in the wide area to put crosses in when needed.
Thankfully, the Nerazzuri have capable players in such positions with Federico Dimarco, Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, and Carlos Augusto.
Their centre-backs also provide solid coverage, with Benjamin Parvard, Alessandro Bastoni, and Francesco Acerbi being reliable defenders to aid goalie Yann Sommer.
True enough, their well-structured defence were so crippling that they were the only team last year to allow less than 30 goals.
In front, Inter possess a deadly partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. The former was last season’s capocannoniere after scoring 24 goals along with a bunch of Serie A 2024 highlights. The latter was an exceptional signing after finishing with 15 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
Targets and newcomers
As stacked as they are, Inter cannot stifle themselves. Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan aren’t exactly young. Marko Arnautovic is 35, whilst Denzel Dumfries has yet to agree to a contract extension. Alexis Sanchez has bid his farewell, and Stefan de Vrij, whilst wanting to stay, is being linked with a move elsewhere.
Inzaghi has prioritised adding another striker upfront; his wish was granted in the form of Mehdi Taremi.
The 31-year-old signed on a free transfer and would be considered a valuable backup to either Martinez or Thuram.
The Iranian forward scored 91 goals in 182 appearances for Porto.
Another free signing completed was Piotr Zielenski from Napoli. Zielenski was a highly-rated midfielder who helped Napoli clinch the title in 2023.
Albert Gudmundsson is also linked with the defending champions. And with Inzaghi and co. looking to add another striker to the lineup, the Iceland international could just be the man they need.
According to reports, Inzaghi remains adamant that Inter need another forward going into next season. Notwithstanding their dominance, they were hit with some injury bugs to Thuram and Arnatutovic last year, which made things problematic at times.
Gudmundsson enjoyed a fruitful spell with Genoa last season, as he netted 16 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Teenage defender Alex Perez has also arrived to bolster youth within Inter’s ranks. The 18-year-old Real Betis Academy product will be tested on the Under-19 side initially before making his way to the first team.
Defender Mario Hermoso is also being linked with a move to Appiano Gentile, as his contract with Atletico Madrid expired last month. The 29-year-old Spain international can play both as centre-back and left-back.
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