Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera praises Inter’s actions during this summer’s transfer window, identifying the Nerazzurri as the most serious rival to Juventus in the race for the Scudetto.
Particular mention is made of Radja Nainggolan, who “adds malice to a soft midfield” and the arrivals of Matteo Politano and Keita Balde to increase the overall offensive potential of the side.
The article lists Lautaro Martinez as the ‘surprise of the summer’ – a player who can provide goals, whilst also bringing the versatility to cover multiple positions. El Toro will not only function as the vice-Icardi, and the club expects him to cover a number of roles. What affect will this have on the Inter captain? The paper expects that Icardi will struggle to match last years total of 29 goals as he will no longer be the teams only attacking outlet. However, the Argentine will be able to develop other facets of his game.
The overall assessment of the transfer market is hugely positive. The goal of the Nerazzurri is now to confirm their ongoing presence in the Champions League, and to push Juventus for as long as possible domestically. The unknown factor will be the Champions League. It has been six years since the club last participated in the competition and the ongoing-midweek commitment will weigh heavily on Luciano Spalletti and his men.
The positive is that the Tuscan manager has a number of solutions in his squad. Inter is no longer bound to a defense of four, and can field a number of formations. Indeed, the unpredictability missed for the past few seasons is the clubs best purchase over the summer. Everything is in place for the club to open a new cycle.
