Inter Milan used to be the biggest club in Italy, but for a while now, they’ve just been best of the rest, behind Juventus. Now, with Antonio Conte’s appointment, can Inter return to their former glory?
Antonio Conte and the Resurgence of the Great Inter Milan
Everyone remembers the great Inter Milan side of 2009/10. Guided by Jose Mourinho, the likes of Cambiasso, Maicon, Milito, Eto’o, Sneijder, Zanetti all graced the pitch for Inter. With a lot of them coming towards the end of their illustrious careers, they still stepped up in what was a sensational year for “I Nerazzurri.” The team went on to win a domestic treble. After claiming the Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, Mourinho moved to Real Madrid.
Since then, Inter has been playing second fiddle to Juventus. It’s fair to say that they’ve declined drastically since the departure of Mourinho. The last trophy they’ve won was in 2011.
This season “I Nerazzurri” appointed the great Antonio Conte. The Godfather. Many will remember Conte from his work with Chelsea, Italy and Juventus. The man is an icon. He won the Premier with Chelsea, in his first season, by doing it “the Italian way.”
Inter Milan currently sit third in the Serie A. This year is a free pass for Conte. They’ve been very smart in terms of signings. They’ve signed the likes of Godin, Eriksen, Lukaku, and Nicolo Barella.
The important thing for Inter is that they qualify for the Champions League. Only four teams from Italy can qualify for the Champions League. Inter are ten points clear of fifth-placed Roma with eleven games to go.
So, with next season around the corner, here’s how Inter could line-up:
Goalkeeper:
Samir Handanović
Defense:
Milan Škriniar
Diego Godín
Stefan de Vrij
Wing Backs:
Ashley Young
Achraf Hakimi
Midfield:
Christian Eriksen
Sandro Tonali
Marcelo Brozović
Forwards:
Romelu Lukaku
Lautaro Martínez
For Inter Milan, they have to keep Martinez. It’s a must. He’s the subject of interest from Barcelona. The young Argentine would cost around £100 million, with Barca not keen on paying that much for the 22-year-old. Lautaro and Lukaku have formed a deadly partnership this season. Inter have to keep the formidable duo.
Potential Transfers
After a disappointing season this year, bottom club Brescia has a hidden gem withing their ranks who looks destined to succeed at the highest level. That player is Sandro Tonali. Once the season ends, Tonali looks certain to stay in the Serie A, with Inter huge favourites to sign the youngster.
Yesterday, it was announced that Inter are close to signing Real’s Achraf Hakimi for £36 million. The 21-year-old has impressed the footballing world with his performances for Dortmund this season. Should they get the deal done, Inter have a real prospect on their hands.
On paper, that squad is capable of doing some damage in Italy’s first division next year. With an aging Ashley Young in Inter’s squad, Conte should probably dip in the market for another wingback.
Over the years, Inter has established itself as one of Italy’s finest, with such a rich history. Should Conte recruit more in the summer, they will no doubt be challenging for titles again.
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