Inter Milan must focus on reaching the finish line in the Serie A title race before launching a summer revamp.
The Nerazzuri have been leading the charts for the bulk of the campaign. Despite falling on hard times recently, they still enjoy a seven-point gap with the chasing pack, currently spearheaded by Napoli.
After beating AC Milan, the Partenopei emerged as Inter’s main Scudetto challengers, evoking memories of last season, when Antonio Conte’s men leapfrogged Simone Inzaghi’s team in the final rounds of the campaign to bring the trophy back to Naples.
Nevertheless, Inter fans remain largely confident in their club’s ability to avoid a replicated scenario. Therefore, the Beanamata faithful continue to back the team to preserve their first place in the standings. For those interested in betting on the Nerazzurri to triumph, or making any other sports wager, while taking advantage of the Stake Welcome Bonus, all you need to do is follow the link.
But while all major bookmakers continue to tip Inter to win the Serie A title this season, club president Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio must think long term.
The current Nerazzurri core has the ability to dominate Italian football for years to come, while also challenging in Europe. However, the squad has some deficiencies in terms of quality and depth that must be addressed, not to mention the need to rejuvenate some departments.
So, which playing roles should the Serie A giants address in the summer?
Goalkeeper
With Father Time beginning to catch up with Yann Sommer, and Josep Martinez failing to overtake the Switzerland international, the Beanamata will need a new goalkeeper.
At this stage, Guglielmo Vicario appears to be Ausilio’s favourite profile for the role. The Italian international is seemingly on his way out of Tottenham Hotspur, so a move to San Siro could be on the cards.
Centre-Back
It is past time for Inter to recruit a new central defender capable of leading the backline. After all, 38-year-old Francesco Acerbi and 34-year-old Stefan de Vrij are no longer capable of playing week in week out, and at least one of them should leave.
Physical Midfielder
Inter’s squad is blistering with technically adept midfielders, but sometimes they lack a strong physical presence.
Whether it’s a box-to-box midfielder or a holding midfielder, the team needs someone who is capable of imposing himself in the middle park and winning back possession.
Versatile Wing-Back
With Denzel Dumfries missing several months with injury this season, Inter struggled to replace the Dutchman, as Luis Henrique hasn’t always convinced, while Carlos Augusto isn’t a natural right wing-back.
Therefore, the team could do with a versatile wing-back capable of covering both flanks, as even the left wing needs some reinforcement, with Augusto gradually morphing into a defender.
Top-Notch Attacker
This season, Inter boast what most observers consider the best striking unit in the league.
Lautaro Martinez is arguably the best striker in the league. Marcus Thuram has had his highs and lows, but he remains one of the most dangerous forwards on Italian soil.
Francesco Pio Esposito has been one of the best revelations of the Serie A campaign. The young centre-forward is a throwback to the classic No.9 role, something that Italy has been dearly missing.
Even Ange Bonny has been a sweet addition to the department, as he’s capable of playing multiple roles in attack.
The best part about Inter’s attacking quartet is that Chivu can pick any two, and they will find a way to coexist.
And yet, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Marotta and Ausilio were hellbent on signing Ademola Lookman last summer, but failed to strike an agreement with the stubborn Atalanta.
Having joined Atletico Madrid in January, the Nigerian star is no longer an option for the Nerazzurri. Nevertheless, one might feel that this department lacks a big name who would add additional quality and goals.
Moreover, Thuram has somewhat lost some of the enthusiasm and desire that drove him over the past two campaigns.
Therefore, this could be the ideal time to cash in on the French striker, who is turning 29 in the summer, and replace him with a top-notch striker who can take the team to the next stage.