Matteo Darmian believes that Inter Milan are “starting from zero” in their efforts to retain the Serie A title this season.
The 34-year-old spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, ahead of this evening’s league opener away to Genoa. He also praised the Nerazzurri’s summer signings.
Inter’s season officially begins now.
The Nerazzurri have had a busy summer. Many of the players in the squad have been away at either the Euros or the Copa America.
And Inter have brought in three big signings.
The likes of Mehdi Taremi, Piotr Zielinski, and Josep Martinez have all come in. One or two more arrivals could still follow.
Inter’s squad has been working hard in training all throughout preseason. They have played several friendly matches.
And today, the Nerazzurri return to action in Serie A.
Matteo Darmian: Inter “Starting From Zero” In Serie A Title Pursuit
Last season Inter won the Serie A title.
This was the third time of asking for the Nerazzurri under coach Simone Inzaghi. And they finally got everything right.
Inter did not just win the title last season. They did so in dominant fashion.
Therefore, it is natural to think that Inter go into this new season as the favourites to win the title for a second season in a row.
But the fact is that the Nerazzurri will have to pick up the points to establish themselves if they want to win the title again. Starting with this evening against Genoa.
Former Manchester United and Torino defender said that having the second star from last season’s title win is “Great. It gives you a sense of responsibility.”
“It’s normal that when you’re champions of Italy, the ambition always stays high.”
“We’ll try and confirm all the good things we did last season,” Darmian said. “Starting here today.”
“There’s a great desire to go again. We’ll try to do so at our best.”
As far as continuity from last season, Darmian said that “The group is the same, as we haven’t made many changes.”
“That could be to our benefit. But we know that we’re starting from zero.”
“We have to prove that we deserve it on the pitch,” the Italian international. “That’s where the verdict is.”
Meanwhile, Darmian also gave his thoughts on Inter’s new signings from the summer transfer window. “They’re great players,” he said.
“They can give us a big hand. We’ll need everyone to contribute because it’s a long season.”
