Inter will seek a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer with Samir Handanovic ‘almost finished’, according to the Nerazzurri’s former shot-stopper Sebastian Frey.
Handanovic has been a reliable servant for the Nerazzurri since his arrival in 2012, but his performances have dropped considerably this season and exposed the 36-year-old to widespread criticism from supporters.
Udinese’s Juan Musso and Cagliari’s Alessio Cragno are thought to be Inter’s preferred choices to succeed Handanovic and Frey, who spent two seasons with the Nerazzurri, is confident both are good enough to take over in goal.
“Handanovic has been a protagonist for many years,” Frey explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Libero.
“Playing as a goalkeeper is a thankless role, as soon as you start performing badly criticism rains down on you.
“But I’m seeing signs that on a psychological level, as well as a physical level, Samir has almost reached the end.
“He’ll finish the season in a dignified manner but I think Inter will focus on signing a new goalkeeper in the summer.
“It won’t be easy to find a new Handanovic, but I like both Musso and Cragno.
“I see Musso as someone who is ready to start for Inter already.
“Cragno has qualities good enough for Inter, although compared to the Argentine, who is already a protagonist with Argentina’s national team, he is less used to certain pressures.”
Frey also looked ahead to tonight’s match between Inter and Fiorentina, having also represented the Viola for six seasons.
“Inter remain a solid team, despite their inconsistencies and their off-field problems,” he said.
“Antonio Conte is bringing forward an important project and on paper the Nerazzurri are favourites tonight.”
Inter would go top of the Serie A table with a win at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this evening, momentarily displacing league leaders AC Milan before the Rossoneri host Crotone on Sunday.
Frey believes Stefano Pioli’s side have become favourites for the Scudetto, despite acknowledging his former team’s own strengths.
“AC Milan are the team to beat now even though Inter’s squad is deeper and has more quality,” he argued.
“They have an incredible team spirit which is making the difference for them, along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s performances.”
