Italian journalist Matteo Marani believes that Inter have put all the doubts about them that stemmed from their difficult summer behind them with their recent form.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, Marani hailed the quality of performances from the Nerazzurri as being good enough to mark them out as a top side in Europe.

Inter were forced to sell the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku in the summer, in addition to losing Christian Eriksen due to health problems, having already lost Scudetto-winning coach Antonio Conte.

These outgoings led many to believe that the Nerazzurri could be in for a drop-off in their level that would see them struggle to defend the Scudetto.

Instead, Inter have looked very confident and strong under new coach Simone Inzaghi, putting a few early-season wobbles behind them to not only look like the form team in the Serie A title race but also set out their stall in Europe where they have qualified for the knockouts for the first time in a decade and are in an optimistic mood.

Marani noted this, stating that “We spoke a lot about the risk that Inter would be out of commission this year, but in reality the Nerazzurri are in line with last year domestically and have already progressed to the of the Champions League.”

“Inzaghi is letting Inter play in a very European way,” he added, “they demonstrate a brilliant style of football. I’m very curious to see how they fare against Real Madrid.”