After getting dethroned by their crosstown rivals at the end of the previous campaign, Inter were hellbent on regaining the Scudetto crown, and the first order of business was conducting a solid transfer campaign. Perhaps the early signs on the pitch haven’t been too positive for the Nerazzurri who succumbed to their second defeat of the campaign in the Derby della Madonnina, but let’s remember that they were the favorites on many observers’ books prior to the season’s kickoff. So this contradictory situation poses the following question: Is the Inter squad stronger or weaker compared to last season?
Let’s examine the situation by taking a closer look at each playing department.
Goalkeepers
In: André Onana, Gabriel Brazao
Out: Ionut Radu
Following Ionut Radu’s dooming howler against Bologna, the Romanian custodian had to break up with the Beneamata for everyone’s sake. In came André Onana as a free agent after seeing out his contract with Ajax.
The Cameroonian is yet to feature in an official match, but one would expect him to prove himself to be an upgrade on Radu.
However, the club’s main concern remains the shaky form of longtime captain Samir Handanovic, even though it should be an anticipated outcome at the age of 38.
So will Onana prove himself worthy of being the Slovenian’s long-term replacement?
Verdict: Stronger than last season at least.
Defenders
In: Francesco Acerbi
Out: Andrea Ranocchia
Throughout the summer transfer session, Inter played hardball with Paris Saint Germain, even refusing a bid worth 60 million euros for Milan Skriniar. Surely the Italians will regret it if the Slovakian walks away as a free agent at the end of the season. But for now, maintaining one of the best defenders in Serie A is a major boost for Simone Inzaghi’s squad.
Former captain Andrea Ranaocchia made his long overdue farewell and was replaced by another Italian veteran in the form of Francesco Acerbi, who was one of the coach’s most trusted allies during their time together at Lazio.
So despite the unconvincing displays of Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni early in the campaign, Acerbi’s arrival means the Nerazzurri have improved at the back.
Verdict: Stronger
Wingbacks
In: Raoul Bellanova
Out: Ivan Perisic
During Antonio Conte’s Scudetto-winning campaign, he was able to rely on the formidable wingback duo of Achraf Hakimi and Ivan Perisic. But Unfortunately for Inzaghi, neither remains at the club.
Last season, Robin Gosens only made rare appearances after joining the squad in January, so he can almost be deemed as a new signing for Inter. However, the German is yet to display the type of vibrant performances that earned him fame during his time at Atalanta.
Despite Cagliari’s vast struggles last season, Raoul Bellanova was one of the revelations of the campaign. But the 22-year-old still needs to sharpen his weapons in order to have an impact at a club like Inter.
Verdict: Weaker.
Midfielders
In: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Kristjan Asllani
Out: Matias Vecino, Arturo Vidal
In Nicolò Barella, Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter arguably have the strongest midfield trio in the country. Nonetheless, the lack of suitable alternatives proved to be an issue for the club throughout the last campaign.
Luckily for Inzaghi, the club’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta addressed the problem over the summer. Some of the deadwood like Arturo Vidal and Matias Vecino were given their marching orders, and in came the vastly experienced Henrikh Mkhitaryan alongside the young and promising Kristjan Asllani.
Some might argue that the hierarchy could have pursued some more prolific names, but let’s not forget that the club is operating on a tight budget.
Verdict: Relatively stronger.
Attackers
In: Romelu Lukaku
Out: Alexis Sanchez
Two years ago, Romelu Lukaku was the darling of the Giuseppe Meazza’s Curva Nord. The Belgian was arguably the biggest protagonist in the Beneamata’s triumphant 2020/21 campaign, and was even recognized as the league’s MVP.
The Chelsea flop has completed his homecoming much to the Inzaghi’s delight, and once he puts his physical issues behind him and resumes his collaboration with Lautaro Martinez, Inter should once again possess the most terrifying striking partnership in Serie A.
Verdict: Stronger.
Conclusion
Similarly to Conte, Inzaghi adopts a 3-5-2 lineup which heavily relies on the prowess of the men on the wings. Hence, the regressing level on the width is becoming a major concern for the tactician.
Nevertheless, the rest of the field has been bolstered with decent acquisitions who arrived to solidify what had already been a powerful Inter squad.
So despite the thorny beginnings, the former champions still have what it takes to go all the way in the battle for the famous Tricolore badge.
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