Inter have been relying on the contributions of wingbacks Ivan Perisic and Denzel Dumfries to inspire them in the Serie A title race this season.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who note how the pair have become decisive figures at opposite ends of the experience spectrum with the Nerazzurri.
Perisic had not even been clear to remain at Inter last summer, with the club having been reportedly ready to listen to offers for the Croat who was going into the last year of his contract and replace him with another player suitable for Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation.
However, in the end the wingback remained at Inter, and his form has exceeded all expectation as he has been one of the Nerazzurri’s standout players at both ends of the pitch.
The 33-year-old had made the transition to playing at wingback last season under Antonio Conte, but this campaign has seen him take another big leap stylistically and in the quality of his performances, which has made him ideal for the role that Inzaghi has used him in.
Also ideal for the wingback role in Inzaghi’s system has been Dumfries, who joined from PSV last summer to replace the departing Achraf Hakimi.
The Dutchman has made sure that Hakimi isn’t missed much, and especially over the second half of the campaign has emerged as a player who the Nerazzurri regularly turn to to give them inspiration in matches.
Now, Inter are firmly in the picture for the Scudetto along with AC Milan, and should they see off their city rivals this will owe a great deal to the form displayed by their two starting wingbacks.
