Italian journalist Alberto Cerruti Believes that Inter captain Samir Handanovic still has a big role to play this season even if he is not longer the first-choice starter in goal.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Cerruti argued that the 37-year-old can be part of a team that is even stronger as he continues to act in his role as team captain.
Handanovic has dropped to the bench for Inter’s last two matches, wins against the likes of Barcelona and Sassuolo, for Andre Onana.
Moreover, the Slovenian is widely expected to be on the bench for tomorrow’s return meeting against Barcelona as well.
The sense is that while Handanovic may well end up starting again at some point this season, Onana will be the first-choice starter.
Nevertheless, the Slovenian will remain at the club at least until his contract runs out at the end of the current season, and he will still have a role to play.
Cerruti explained that “From the Italy of Enzo Bearzot who won the World Cup forty years ago based on the strength of the group, to Milan under Stefano Pioli, who snatched the last Scudetto over Inter, the history of football is full of successes by less strong teams who are nevertheless united in and out of the locker room.”
“Therefore, all of the new captains in cup and league matches are welcome, be they Milan Skriniar, Danilo D’Ambrosio, Marcelo Brozovic, or Lautaro Martinez, but the real captain will remain Handanovic.”
He argued that “He’ll do so with the certainty that sooner or later he’ll return in the Inter goal, ready to prove that he’s still the great professional he has always been in his first ten years with the Nerazzurri.”
“Just like Ranocchia did,” Cerruti noted, “the only one who had removed the armband when he returned to the pitch.”
“It’s true that Onana will play in Barcelona,” he added, “but Handanovic’s season is not over yet.”
“If anything, another one has begun, which will make Inter stronger,” Cerruti closed. “Thanks in part to Handanovic.”
