Former Inter full back Michele Serena has shared his belief that Inter have taken a big step forward at a club following their performances in the recently concluded 2019/20 season.
“All the bars have been raised, so I think last season was largely positive. I think there is a bit of a bitterness because when you get to the final you want to win the competitions but I think a big step forward has been made,” he began an interview with Italian news outlet FCInter1908.it.
Next Serena was asked if he believes continuing with Antonio Conte as manager was the right decision and also spoke on Conte’s many public outbusts last season.
“If they have taken this decision together, they will have clarified the outstanding aspects. If they made this decision, it means it was the right choice.
“What did I make of his outbursts? I have seen the same Antonio as always. He had outbursts at Juventus and when he was in England.”
Serena then went on to share his thoughts on Inter’s acqusition of the highly rated Achraf Hakimi from Real Madrid.
“He is a very interesting, very young player. I think it can give something very good. Expectations are high and everyone expects a lot from him. I think he still has ample room for improvement. He is ready for Inter, but at the same time he can still improve a lot. He can truly prove to be a top investment for the club.”
Serena proceeded to speak on the arrival of Aleksandar Kolarov, probable arrival of Arturo Vidal and Inter’s transfer policy of seeking out older players with a winning mentality.
“There is a debate to be had here but I am in favour if the idea is to fill a gap in a very short time, or try to win shortly.
“In the short term if you want to try to cancel the distance with Juventus, which has been beating us all for years, I think this is the way to go but Hakimi, as well as Bastoni, are players that demonstrate how the club is pursuing two parallel paths.”
Next Serena discussed whether there is a risk that Inter will be stuck with two very similar players if Radja Nainggolan stays and Vidalarrives.
“No. Last year I hoped that Nainggolan would stay because he is a player who can give a lot and he can give a lot to this team under the discipline that Conte expects.”
Serena then spoke on the possible arrive of N’Golo Kante from Chelsea and whether they would gain from an exchange with Chelsea in which they would send Marcelo Brozovic.
“Is he the right man to let Inter make a leap in quality? Absolutely yes. He has great experience and runs for eight people and that’s what it takes. Conte knows him very well, so I think they are focused on that arrival. What is certain is that then someone will have to make room.
“Would Inter gain from an exchange of Brozovic and Kante? Probably yes but Brozovic could have a market and guarantee important revenues for the club.”
Next Serena was asked if Inter would need to make a tactical change if Vidal and Kante arrive at the club.
“Conte may play very well with both 3-5-2 and 3-4-1-2, given that there are three competitions to face but if Vidal and Kanté arrive, everything lets me think about the desire to focus on a five-man midfield. Not to mention that there is also Barella and Sensi.”
Serena then spoke on whether or not he would let someone like Milan Skriniar leave Inter if important offers are to arrive for him.
“I don’t know what happened, but towards the end of the season he never played. Conte preferred Godin or D’Ambrosio but, if he leaves, I think they’ll bring someone in. Also because, given that Ranocchia could also leave, Inter’s defence would be low on numbers.”
Next he was asked whether he would let the experienced Diego Godin, who has been heavily linked with a move to Cagliari, leave Inter.
“I think in the last season, the problems were only of a tactical nature. He was used to playing in a four at the back, but when he understood certain mechanics, I think he performed well. The apprenticeship is over, he could be an important resource.”
In conclusion he was asked whether this year could be the year that Inter finally get back to winning the Serie A title.
“I would say yes, also because this is expected and that’s why the ‘old men’ arrive. The apprenticeship is over for everyone, expectations have risen for everyone now.”
