If Inter had hoped that having striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Marcelo Brozovic available would have given them a boost in form, they were disabused of this notion based on their frustrating Serie A draw against Sampdoria yesterday evening.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who argue that the Nerazzurri looked tepid and out of form despite the presence of key players on paper on the pitch.

Lukaku and Brozovic have missed the better part of the season so far through injuries, and the duo’s absence had been expected to be a big blow.

In truth, the Nerazzurri have found ways to cope without the striker and the midfielder, but at the same time, having them back seemed as though it could only be a boost.

Instead, however, Lukaku hardly made Inter’s attack any less blunt from his starting appearance against the Blucerchiati, whilst the arrival of Brozovic as a second half substitute did little to change what had become a complacent-looking midfield balance.