Inter left wing-back Ivan Perisic was the missing piece in Antonio Conte’s Inter puzzle, an Italian media report has argued today.

Perisic was very much on the fringes at Inter and seemingly unable to play in the new role during the first half of the season.

However, as per Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition, the Croatian has turned things around for himself and while he might be worth less than his younger teammates, his consistency in recent weeks has been amazing.

It has taken Conte, who is into his second season in charge, six months to complete the puzzle, with the final piece being finding a left wing-back.

Perisic has shown in recent weeks that he can not only play the role but play it well, impressing during Inter’s crucial Serie A wins against Lazio and AC Milan last month.

The 32-year-old is one of two players this season that Conte has completely revitalised, with the other player being Christian Eriksen, who has gone from being on his way out to becoming a key figure in midfield.

Perisic has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Inter this season, scoring three goals and providing five assists.