Football Season Guide

Even though they eventually succeeded in bringing home the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup, the past season was a bit disappointing for Inter. The Italian defending champions missed out on the title by just 2 points, despite winning 8 straight games at the end. Coach Inzaghi, in his first campaign in charge, and his boys failed to defeat Milan in both direct clashes and this cost them dear. Compared to the previous season, when they clinched the title, Inter scored 5 goals less and conceded 3 more, winning 3 games less. During the summer, Inter lost only 1 major player in left winger Perisic (8 goals and 7 assists last season), who refused to extend his contract. Other than that, they let go of a few aging or expensive back-ups, like centre-back Ranocchia, midfielders Vecino and Vidal while forward Sanchez should follow them suit. They did not acquire any real alternative to Perisic as they already had his replacement in the squad in Gosens, who is expected to become a key player after failing to leave a mark due to injuries since arriving from Atalanta. In goal, with Handanovic close to 37 and back-up Radu loaned out to Empoli, Inter signed Onana from the Eredivisie. The defence was left untouched but Skriniar could be leaving soon and so they are looking for a valid alternative at centre-back. On the other hand, right-back Bellanova is a wise signing but could herald Dumfries’ next departure. 20-year-old midfielder Asllani arrived from Empoli and he is set to be given playing time along the season, while attacking midfielder Mkhitaryan should provide some cover for Calhanoglu after doing well at Roma. With striker Dzeko about to turn 36, Inter managed to obtain Lukaku’s return on loan from Chelsea, while they also signed Correa permanently, Inzaghi’s pet since the Lazio days.