Inter have relied on leadership from a number of players in different moments to guide them through this season.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who note how the leadership duties have been shared by different players with different qualities to keep the team at its best.
Captain Samir Handanovic is a natural leader within the Nerazzurri, the longest-serving player after Andrea Ranocchia and most experienced in the squad.
However, the 37-year-old is famously soft-spoken, and not the most vocal or energetic presence, preferring a more aloof style of leadership.
The captain consoled backup keeper Andrei Radu following the 24-year-old’s disastrous error against Bologna, but did so quietly and behind the scenes rather than theatrically for the cameras.
The Slovenian has also been the most active in organizing team dinners to bring the squad together, and is always a respected presence in the dressing room who picks his spots to really raise his voice with his teammates.
Meanwhile, Skriniar has developed into a natural leader of this Nerazzurri side, and is often one of the first players to protest to officials or defend teammates during matches.
The 27-year-old was also one of the players who played a major role in helping Hakan Calhanoglu to settle in following his arrival from AC Milan last summer.
The likes of Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic are important figures on the pitch, leading by example with their energy and well-liked and admired by their teammates.
Meanwhile, Danilo D’Ambrosio is also known to play an important role in keeping teammates settled in and helping to manage both the highs and lows throughout the season.
The 33-year-old has been at the Nerazzurri for the better part of a decade, and has the perspective to make sure the team do not get wrapped up in either the positive or negative emotions.
