A new Serie A season is about to start, and there is a new reigning champion in town.
Inter blew away the rest of the competition last year, when coach Antonio Conte put together a deadly winning machine. Wingback Achraf Hakimi delivered the ammunition to his attackers and Romelu Lukaku detonated bombs all over Italy.
Official: Lukaku signs for Chelsea?
– Lost a world-class coach.- One of the best defenders- and now their MVP
Tough summer for Inter fans pic.twitter.com/3PGf6FSi4J
– Italian football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 12, 2021
Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri, not even one of the influential trio is left in Milan. It’s been a summer of change for the champions, with Simone Inzaghi stepping in to fill Conte’s shoes, as well as a couple of underwhelming signings rocking out at the San Siro.
So, how will Inter line up at the start of this new era, when they host Genoa in Saturday’s opening match of the season?
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A key face in the back line / Quality sports images / Getty Images
Samir Handanovic (GK) – The years go by, but Handanovic remains a constant presence in Serie A.
Milan Skriniar (CB) – There is no summer where Skriniar is not tipped for a transfer to the Premier League (normally to Tottenham Hotspur), but Inter have managed to keep their midfielder for another year.
Stefan de Vrij (CB) – Definitely Nerazzurri’s main defender last season, and having worked with Inzaghi at Lazio before, De Vrij will be a firm favorite for the coach.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) – It was a season to remember for Bastoni last year, and all eyes will be on whether he can maintain those levels for another campaign – with Genoa on Saturday.
Midfield duo / Marco Luzzani / Getty Images
Matteo Darmian (RWB) – Fans may hope to see the new signing Denzel Dumfries in action, but given that he only came in recent days, Darmian will probably nod.
Nicolo Barella (CM) – A star for Italy at Euro 2020, Barella’s share has only risen during the summer. He was a prominent figure in Inter’s title success last year, and more of the same will be needed if they are to compete again.
Marcelo Brozovic (CM) – A certainty to start at the base of the midfield, as very few players can do the job he does for Inter. Composed on the ball and an excellent reader of the game.
Stefano Sensi (CM) – The young Italian did not play a major role last season, but with Christian Eriksen unavailable and Arturo Vidal aging another year, this may be his time to shine.
Ivan Perisic (LWB) – One of Conte’s greatest achievements was to transform Perisic into a complete wingback, and his adaptability solved a major problem within the squad. No change this year.
In new colors / Marco Luzzani / Getty Images
Hakan Calhanoglu (CF) – Lautaro Martinez’s suspension and Lukaku’s departure leave Inter desperately short in attack, so Inzaghi can choose to put Calhanoglu just behind the main striker on his debut.
Edin Dzeko (ST) – Another new signing will lead the front line as well. Dzeko had already made his way to the pitch in blue and black before ending his move to Inter, and he will be ready to fill Lukaku’s boots from the opening weekend.
