Inter striker Edin Dzeko is proving that he can be a hugely influential presence in attack for the Nerazzurri even in a backup role to Romelu Lukaku this season.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, who note that the 36-year-old had looked like he could leave the club during the summer but is now showing why keeping him was not the wrong decision.

During the summer transfer window, Dzeko had been linked with a possible transfer away from Inter, likely to make for the signing of Paulo Dybala on a free transfer.

Juventus and Valencia had been among the teams to be linked with the Bosnian’s signature, but in the end it was the player’s will that was decisive as he made clear that he wanted to stay for the second season of his contract, and even returned to training a few days early to try and get back to his best.

It was always clear that Dzeko would be primarily a backup to the returning Lukaku unlike last season when he was a regular starter, but the 36-year-old was happy to accept this role.

The Bosnian has perhaps gotten more playing time than he’ll have expected to early on in the season, as an injury has led the club to rely on he, Lautaro Martinez, and Joaquin Correa in attack over the past few matches.

Dzeko’s displays against AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Torino were all good, and he was outstanding against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, with his goal and assists suggesting that he could once again be a talismanic figure for the Nerazzurri in Europe as he was last season.