You probably assume that when you won your first title in 11 years, the message from the boardroom would be “same again next year, guys.”
But it has not been an ordinary summer for the current champions in Italy. After winning the swashbuckling-style scudetto, Antonio Conte left Inter due to the club’s uncertain financial situation and the subsequent cuts that had to be made to the playing staff.
The Nerazzurri need to generate some serious cash this summer, although the departure of Achraf Hakimi has already made them a cool 70 million euros. However, the wingback must be replaced, while the new coach Simone Inzaghi must deal with other problem areas in the squad.
So, let’s take a look at how Inter could line up for the 2021/22 promotion.
Coming Nowhere / Nicolò Campo / Getty Images
Samir Handanovic (GK) – He can continue for several years, but Handanovic has at least one more campaign at the top. 37 years young, the stopper played a crucial role in Inter’s success last season.
Milan Skriniar (CB) – Several clubs have expressed their interest in Skrinar in recent windows, but Milan are not leaving their name city yet. The time may come when he accepts a new challenge, but right now few clubs have the means they can afford.
Stefan de Vrij (CB) – Inter’s best defender last season, De Vrij will at least play his things in the San Siro. The Dutchman is living the dream in Milan and has earned his place in a league-winning defense.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) – If it does not break, do not fix it. Bastoni complements a backline that realistically does not need any surgery and will be held together next season. The consistency needed to win titles starts at the back.
The other half of Milan / MIGUEL MEDINA / Getty Images
Hector Bellerin (RWB) – Here comes the first change. It’s Hector for Hakimi, because we want Inter to step in for Arsenal star Bellerin to replace the late Morocco international. It is known that Gunner is on the market, and Nerazzurri can try a cheeky loan with the opportunity to buy for the Spaniard. A bit of a downgrade of the previous model, though.
Nicolo Barella (CM) – Although Inter are willing to sell some of their stars, this boy is untouched. Barella is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world, and his Euro 2020 utilization only adds to his price tag. No matter how much Inter need the money, the Italian will not be on the transfer list.
Marcelo Brozovic (CM) – The champions relied heavily on the metronomic Brozovic last year, and there are no signs that they will not do it again. An underrated artist on the biggest stage.
Hakan Calhanoglu (AM) – The tragic circumstances surrounding Christian Eriksen meant that Inter had to go out and buy a replacement attacking midfielder this summer. It ended up trading on its own doorstep, squeezing Calhanoglu from rivals Milan on a free transfer. Ouch. He will not be popular in the red and black half of the city anymore.
Emerson Palmieri (LWB) – When we complete the midfield, we have chosen Chelsea’s Palmieri. The defender proved at Euro 2020 that he still has a lot to offer at the top level, even if it means leaving Stamford Bridge. Like Bellerin, Inter can look at landing their goal on loan before setting some hard cash.
The Ultimate Partnership / Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images
Romelu Lukaku (ST) – There has been a lot of gossip about Lukaku’s future, but the Belgian has made one thing clear: He loves Inter and he is not going anywhere. If he’s on the sidelines, they’re always in with a shot at the title.
Lautaro Martinez (ST) – Like Lukaku, Martinez has been the subject of many whispers linking him with a move away, but with the cash band Barcelona, his biggest admirer, he will probably hold on for another year. The dream partnership is alive!
