There are three probable candidates to replace Samir Handanovic as Inter Milan captain now that the 38-year-old has officially departed.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. They name Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, and Federico Dimarco as possible successors with the armband.
Samir Handanovic has said goodbye to Inter after eleven seasons at the club.
The Slovenian departs after having worn the captain’s armband in his last four seasons and change.
Therefore, Inter will have to replace Handanovic as captain on a permanent basis.
Last season, Inter had a policy that when Handanovic was not in the starting eleven, the most senior player in the team would wear the armband.
That meant that Milan Skriniar frequently captained Inter from match to match.
However, the club stripped the Slovenian of the armband permanently after he rejected a contract offer and decided to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Brozovic frequently wore the armband last season. However, he too is gone like Skriniar, having joined Al-Nassr.
Veteran defender Danilo D’Ambrosio has also left Inter on a free transfer, even if he was never as serious a candidate to become the permanent captain like Skriniar or Brozovic.
Lautaro Favourite To Replace Handanovic As Inter Milan Captain – But Barella & Dimarco Also Possible
Lautaro Martinez, who joined Inter back in 2018, was captain for several matches last season. And, should Handanovic depart, the 25-year-old would be Inter’s longest-serving player.
Moreover, Martinez is a hugely important player for Inter. Not just for his goals and holdup play, but also for his leadership.
The Argentine has stayed loyal to Inter despite transfer rumours linking him with some of Europe’s elite for several seasons.
Sky confirm that the Argentine is the favourite to replace Handanovic as captain.
However, Martinez is not the only player who could inherit the armband according to Sky.
The broadcaster also name midfielder Nicolo Barella. The 26-year-old is just as important to the team on the pitch as Martinez is.
Moreover, Italian international Barella also has an intensely vocal style on the pitch that could make him a natural fit.
Lastly, wingback Federico Dimarco is also in the frame. Considering the 25-year-old came through Inter’s youth system and has been a vocal presence in the dressing room, he could also be a natural choice.
