In football, getting dethroned is one of the most depressing events a team could endure. But despite losing the Scudetto crown, Inter’s campaign remains a decent one considering the circumstances. When the Nerazzurri lost their charismatic leader (Antonio Conte) alongside two major stars (Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi), many counted them out.
However, the Beneamata proved us wrong by clinching the Coppa Italia as well as the Italian Super Cup and fighting to the fences in the title race against Milan. Simone Inzaghi’s men even enjoyed a respectable Champions League run, almost pulling off a major upset against Liverpool at Anfield Road.
Therefore, Inter still have a solid core, but need to make some adjustments to reclaim the throne.
So here are four positions that Inter should address this summer after bolstering the goalkeeper role with the addition of André Onana.
Center-Back
During Conte’s time at the club, Inter possessed the consensus strongest defensive unit in Serie A. However, Stefan de Vrij’s inconsistent form has become a reason of concern for the club, while Milan Skriniar could be the necessary sacrificial lamb to balance the books.
Therefore, this department needs at least one top signing to prevent a major deterioration, and Torino’s Gleison Bremer would undoubtedly fit the bill. After all, the Brazilian was recognized as the best defender in the 2021/22 season by Lega Serie A.
Nevertheless, the Nerazzurri could face some stern competition from other top European sides who will be hoping to lure the 25-year-old outside of the Italian peninsula. So if they fail to snatch Bremer’s services, Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic would make for a low-cost but decent alternative.
Left Wingback
Following the departure of Ivan Perisic, Inter lost the services of one of the most menacing wingers in the game. The veteran enjoyed a stellar campaign in black and blue, but eventually opted to reunite with Conte in North London after seeing out his contract with the Beneamata.
Nonetheless, the club’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta had already anticipated such scenario, and signed Robin Gosens from Atalanta last January. The German endured an injury-stricken campaign, but will be hoping to remind the world of his great prowess next season.
However, Inter still need to add some depth to this department. Federico Dimarco is more than capable of interpreting the wingback role, but Inzaghi prefers to field him as a third center back who occasionally pushes forward, while Matteo Darmian serves better on the right flank.
Thus, the Nerazzurri would do well to sign a young wingback who can take some of the burden off Gosens while the latter slowly rediscovers his best form.
While Cagliari’s Raoul Bellanova has been nominated for the job, the 22-year-old is originally a right-back, so the likes of Genoa’s Andrea Cambiaso and Udinese’s Destiny Udogie would be more natural options for the role.
Defensive Midfielder
In Marcelo Brozovic, Inter have the best deep-lying playmaker in Serie A among their ranks. Luckily for the club, the Croatian penned a new contract that will prolong his stay at Appiano Gentile.
But for a side that is hoping to compete on all fronts while playing twice per week, adding quality depth is imperative. While Brozovic didn’t miss many matches last season, his absence was severely felt during his brief stops, as Inzaghi simply didn’t have an adequate replacement.
That is why signing an understudy for the Croatia international is mandatory. However, a big signing is unlikely to accept a secondary role in the squad, hence, a young talent would be more suitable.
That is why 20-year-old Kristjan Asllani is the perfect candidate for the job. The Albanian was one the best Empoli revelations of last season, and will learn the craft from Brozovic while playing second-fiddle.
Forward
Finally, we reached the most interesting department. On paper, Inter possess a formidable frontline led by the unstoppable Lautaro Martinez. Yet, Inzaghi’s attack could witness a major revamp this summer.
First, Alexis Sanchez could finally leave the club. Despite showing signs of improvement compared to the previous campaign, it remains insufficient to justify his hefty wages.
Moreover, Edin Dzeko could also accompany the Chilean towards the exit door despite having a second year on his contract.
The Bosnian arrived last summer as a stop-gap replacement for Romelu Lukaku. But if the latter makes his ceremonious return to the Beneamata, then Dzeko would be deemed surplus to requirements.
While the Belgian’s potential comeback would be earth-shattering on its own, that’s not all for the ambitious Italian giants.
As you might have heard by now, another attacker could be added to the fold, someone that Calcio fans are all too familiar with. But after seven years in black and white, Paulo Dybala could give a try for the famous black and blue jersey.
If Inter manage to add these two superstars to the equation, Inter will surely boast the most terrifying attacking unit in Serie A, and would probably be considered as the early favorites to lift the Scudetto title in May 2023.