Stankovic

Another week passes and we are on the eve of Walter Mazzarri’s first raining camp as Inter coach. The mercato madness shows no signs of slowing down; here are my five snippets for this week.

Inter hedging their bets on finding ‘The new Cavani’?

The protracted transfer of Ishak Belfodil to Inter was finally completed on Friday while Mauro Icardi’s rumoured move to the Nerazzurri will be made official after the weekend. I have no idea if Walter Mazzarri or management see these two talented strikers as the future of Inter’s attack in the forthcoming years but one thing is for sure: Mazzarri will need one of them to perform at a high level this season for his side to be successful. It would be naive to expect either player to give the kind of displays we are accustomed to seeing from ‘El Matador’ but his role was fundamental for Mazzarri’s Napoli side. Rodrigo Palacio will provide a superior option to any of the second strikers that were available to Mazzarri in Naples so the key for Inter’s forward line will be the development of these two young attackers.

Inter must avoid the Radja Nainggolan auction: Here is why…

If you have read my previous articles you’ll already know that I’m a huge fan of Radja Nainggolan. I believe he would be a solid addition to Inter’s midfield and coupled with the experience has in Serie A, his signing would be a massive boost to Walter Mazzarri’s options in the centre of the pitch. The problem with Nainggolan is that his value has risen past what he’s worth in terms of performance. Interest from Roma and Monaco has seen the Belgian’s price skyrocket and putting Inter’s financial woes to one side he is simply not worth the money required to take him away from Sardinia. There are players across Europe capable of a similar level of performance and their cost would be virtually half the rumoured asking price for Nainggolan.

Farewell to our Drago…

Dejan Stankovic has confirmed he will be leaving Inter. In an emotional farewell letter to the Nerazzurri faithful the Serbian reaffirmed his love for the shirt and his gratitude for the opportunity he was given to wear it. It’s no secret that in my opinion ‘Deki’ has given as much for Inter as any player I’ve watched in my lifetime supporting the club. He is a representation of myself and many other tifosi who stand next to me on the Curva Nord. His desire, determination and class have stood out in the decade he has represented our great club. Even last season where he was limited to a virtual bystander due to injuries, he gave a sparkling 45-minute cameo in the 3-2 win over Catania. So goodbye ‘Il Drago’ and thank you for the beautiful memories you have given so many of us.

Inter’s faith in Joel Obi to be rewarded?

A series of injuries have left the young Nigerian as an almost forgotten figure amongst many supporters. Inter however have constantly shown faith in the midfielder even to the point where a contract was finalised during such a difficult period in his career. Could Walter Mazzarri be a beneficiary of the clubs patience and get the player many see as a potential mainstay in the midfield? Last season we only saw glimpses of Obi’s abilities as he was often played out of position. A full preseason with the chance for some important minutes on the pitch will be just what the coach and Inter’s management are hoping for.

German efficiency to once again power Inter?

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Inter’s team were blessed with some of the finest German players of that generation. Andreas Brehme, Lothar Matthaus and Jürgen Klinsmann would be key components of Giovanni Trapattoni’s Scudetto winning side. In 2013 Inter are once again looking to Germany for inspiration, this time however it is in the world of business that the Nerazzurri have sought assistance. Deutsche Bank were announced as Inter’s top sponsor earlier this week, hopefully their knowledge will provide the club with some interesting and financially beneficial opportunities over the coming year.