Inter’s attempts to retain the Scudetto ultimately ended in vain on Sunday evening despite a 3-0 win over Sampdoria.
They’re cross city rivals enjoyed a win by the same score line over Sassuolo to win their first title in eleven years.
The title however wasn’t won and lost this Sunday alone. A long year of twists and turns both financial and controversial have led Inter to this point.
Here are five things that we have learned about Inter in 2021/22.
1) The Season Was Ultimately A Success
A positive season shouldn’t be overshadowed by Inter losing their crown as champions of Italy.
Progression to the knock out phase of the Champions League for the first time in over a decade and Supercoppa and Coppa Italia wins over Juventus were certainly huge successes.
Place all this against a backdrop of a summer fire sale and the loss of their talismanic coach Antonio Conte and things can certainly be looked at in a positive light.
The likes of Hakan Calhanoglu, Edin Dzeko and Denzel Dumfries have made a sterling commitment to trying to replace the players that were sold and Simone Inzaghi has done a brave and steady job at the helm in his first year.
Provided there isn’t another fire sale and Inter can do well in the summer mercato then expect them to be hunting down the title next term.
2) Lautaro Martinez And Milan Skriniar Continue To Grow Year On Year
Honourable mentions here deserve to be made towards the likes of Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic too but it feels as if Milan Skriniar and Lautaro Martinez have become the best versions of themselves to date this term.
Since they have arrived at Inter the pair have continued to improve year on year and all signs point to Inter now being able to enjoy their peak years after helping them grow.
There have been points this year that has seen questions asked of Lautaro Martinez due to a goal drought during Inter’s toughest run. However, he was able to bounce back with vital goals that saw them lift the Coppa Italia and gave them a shout at winning back the title.
Milan Skriniar is becoming the leading candidate to replace Samir Handanovic as Inter’s next skipper. Since he has adapted to playing in a back three, the Slovenian has been nothing short of phenomenal. Much respect to big Milan for his towering display of dominance in the 1-0 win away in the league at Juventus.
Inter should see the two go even further next term.
3) Shout Out To Ivan Perisic – Inter’s Player Of The Year
The much maligned figure of Ivan Perisic has come full circle this term.
From inconsistent and frustrating to consistent and frightening, the difference between pre and post Bayern Munich loan Perisic is astronomical.
A player once targeted by Wanda and slaughtered from the terraces has become a focal point of Simone Inzaghi’s Inter.
Now transforming himself into a wingback that provides goals, assists and sheer tenacity is something that even Ivan himself might have struggled to believe three years back.
In terms of his constant level of top performances this term and his selflessness in being an on the pitch motivator, Ivan Perisic is Inter’s player of the season this year.
Whether he decides to move onto pastures new now his contract is up or not remains to be seen but one thing is certain and that is that the Croat has well and truly earned the respect of all Interisti this term.
4) Analysing Simone Inzaghi’s First Season
Simone Inzaghi arrived at Inter to be greeted with an almighty mess.
A team that had just won the Scudetto had been pulled apart and there were even brief suggestions that there were little to no funds available to replace those lost.
Romelu Lukaku, Achraf Hakimi and Christian Eriksen were all replaced on the cheap with fans at a state of severe discontent towards the Chinese owners.
Inzaghi however managed to galvanise the team and had them soaring at Christmas playing some exciting and attractive football.
However, in an attempt to progress in Europe, Inter’s season domestically began to unravel with a run of just seven points in 7 matches saw them relinquish their lead in Italy which they would ultimately never gain back.
Struggling for goals and out of luck, many questioned Inzaghi but with two domestic trophies added to the trophy cabinet in the process of a brave revival, Inter fans can all agree the season has been better than first hoped.
Investment in a replacement for Edin Dzeko could see Inter soar next term. Inzaghi himself has certainly earned the right to be backed. Whether than happens or not remains to be seen.
5) Aim Must Be To Win Serie A Next Season
With Champions League football confirmed and two trophies in the bank, Inter must now jet off for a break whilst the higher ups calculate next year.
Obviously the goal must be to win the Scudetto. A good run in Europe and attempts to hold onto their domestic silverware must be targeted also.
To do this, Inter must look to pillage some of the deadwood around the squad. High earners Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez look set to depart alongside fringe players such as Matias Vecino, Andrea Rannochia and Aleksandar Kolarov.
A prima punta to replace Edin Dzeko, Gleison Bremer and perhaps a regista to back up Marcelo Brozovic must be brought in to build on what is already an excellent squad.
Finances will dictate what happens at Inter this summer but the owners simply must use this opportunity to push forward rather than risk moving backwards and closer to an era that Inter have just been through which nearly destroyed them.
The season overall must be seen as positive but football never stops. A clear vision at addressing Inter’s inability to score in big moments and building a squad that adds more versatility should allow them to build on 2021/22.
Here’s to a well earned break and an exciting summer it promises to be.
