Italian media have hailed Inter Milan President Steven Zhang as an “ambitious visionary.”

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, give a positive assessment of Zhang’s Nerazzurri project after another whirlwind summer transfer window.

Zhang is something of a controversial figure among Inter fans.

The reason for this is that he represents the ownership of Suning. This has become synonymous with financial problems, big sales, and restrictive spending at Inter since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That was not always the case, however.

The Nerazzurri owners were happy to open their wallets before a massive change in financial situation due to the pandemic.

And it was Zhang who was behind the strategy early on.

In 2018, the Inter President made the decision to bring in Beppe Marotta as CEO following the experienced executive’s departure from Juventus.

Marotta, along with Sporting Director Piero Ausilio, has masterminded Inter’s strategy on the pitch. They, and Zhang, have brought in two coaches in the form of Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi.

And to support these coaches there has been a raft of signings. From Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku, to Davide Frattesi and Benjamin Pavard.

Steven Zhang Praised For Being “Visionary” Behind Inter Milan

In two free-spending seasons under Antonio Conte, Inter reached a Europa League final and then won the Serie A title for the first time in eleven years.

This was, the Gazzetta argues, a major vindication of Zhang’s “vision.”

When he took over, the President promised that Inter would “Start thinking about success again.” This had sounded like nothing more than an empty platitude, but it ended up looking like an accurate prediction.

In the summer of 2021, however, Inter really began to fell the financial effects of the pandemic.

Conte left once the writing was on the wall when it became clear that Inter would not be able to support him with big spending.

Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi also left. These were big sales that brought in vital cash for the Nerazzurri, but were also huge losses on the pitch.

To replace Conte, Zhang, Marotta, and Ausilio turned to Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi.

And Inzaghi has proven to be the right man to keep the project going – even within tight financial constraints.

Simone Inzaghi Embodies Zhang “Vision” Within Financial Constraints

In his first season at the helm Inzaghi failed to win the Scudetto as Conte had, losing out to AC Milan on the final day of the season.

However, the Nerazzurri did manage to win both domestic cup competitions that season.

And then last season, Inter won both the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana once again. And, more significantly, they reached their first Champions League final in thirteen years.

All of this was despite the financial difficulties that continue to plague the club.

And the sales of Andre Onana and Marcelo Brozovic were further evidence that Inter are not a member of football’s financial elite any more.

However, the Gazzetta argues, Zhang has still shown his “vision” throughout a busy summer transfer window.

The Nerazzurri have made a huge number of signings. And in the view of the Gazzetta, the club has given Inzaghi what he needs.

The coach has asked his club for a squad that essentially has two starting-quality players in each position.

And when the dust settles on Inter’s chaotic transfer window, the Gazzetta argues that that is exactly what Inzaghi has.

Now Inter, Inzaghgi, and Zhang can be capable of fighting for the Serie A title.