Inter’s excellent unbeaten run came to an end with a defeat in controversial circumstances to Juventus. A game marred with controversy saw the Champions League race blown wide open.
Luckily, none of this matters to Inter who will officially be handed their 19th Scudetto on Sunday at San Siro.
Here’s what we learned this week from the Nerazzuri.
1. Squad Morale At An All Time High
Even a brief tête-à-tête between Antonio Conte and Lautaro Martinez in the week couldn’t derail Inter’s vibrant camp.
A brief exchange over Lautaro being substituted was quickly solved with a training ground boxing match refereed by Romelu Lukaku.
Despite rumours of discontent over wage deferrals and discussions of potential departures, the Inter camp looks as strong as ever.
In a year of drastic uncertainty, Beppe Marotta, Lele Oriali and Antonio Conte deserve absolute praise to keep this unit so tight and deliver such success.
2. Andrei Radu Looking Impressive
In Inter’s midweek victory over Roma there was a first appearance of the season for Ionut Radu in Serie A.
The former Genoa stopper battled the nerves to put in a solid display in between the sticks.
With Handanovic on the wane and worries over finances, Radu certainly didn’t do himself any harm in terms of giving Conte something to think about as minds look to next season.
Disappointing not to see Handanovic play every league game once again to add to his impressive numbers but it was certainly a polite reminder that Inter have a talented young keeper on their books.
3. Rigoberto Rivas Causing A Stir
Honduran Primavera prospect Rigoberto Rivas appears to be attracting the attention of a number of Serie A outfits.
An excellent season with Reggiana in Serie B has prompted interest from clubs such as Spezia and newly promoted Salernitana.
The youngster could command a solid fee or even give Inter a buy back option should he progress well enough in the top flight.
Rivas is just a pleasant reminder that Inter’s academy houses some real resale value in what is a tight market.
Amongst other loanees who could generate funds are Andrew Gravillon (on loan at Lorient) and Michele Di Gregorio (Monza.)
4. Matias Vecino’s Return A Welcome Sight In Recent Weeks
Since Inter’s title win was confirmed, Matias Vecino has seen a number of outings.
After nearly twelve months on the treatment table, it is excellent to see the Uruguayan back on the field.
Although he finds himself a bit part player in the current squad, it mustn’t be down played that he has had his own role in Inter’s revival.
His header at Lazio in 2018 to bring Inter Champions League football is a truly significant moment in Inter’s modern history, and for that alone the man should be respected.
Good to see you back Matias.
5. Ignore The Scaremongering & Enjoy The Party
Coming up this week is the biggest party that the blue and black side of Milan have hosted in over a decade.
With the official coronation on Sunday after Inter’s match with Udinese, party time shall commence.
Ignore the negativity in the media, the question marks over the futures of owners, players and managers or any dubious refereeing decisions that appear to favour Juventus, simply party.
Enjoy the success that this team has worked so tirelessly over the last nine months for.
The banter era is over. Inter are champions and that is what this season has been about. Long live the team of 2020/2021. Forza Inter.
