Football Season Guide

Was the past season really a success for Inter? After all, in Serie A they finished second for the first time in a decade, just 1 point off champions Juventus, and they even lost the Europa League final to much-decorated Sevilla. Listening to coach Conte’s continuous complaints, though, it should have looked more like a failure, just an array of what-ifs. What if they had invested more, what if they had invested better. After some discussions and changes of mind, from both parties involved, Conte decided to stay on with the club in order to build on the good done in the past season, while being reassured that money would be spent to meet his demands. First of all, Inter invested big money on turning Barella’s and Sensi’s loans into permanent deals. Then, they further bolstered the midfield with right midfield Hakimi, coming from Borussia Dortmund. Nainggolan is back at the club after being loaned to Cagliari and it remains to be seen whether he stays or not. If not, a like for like versatile midfielder will have to arrive. Otherwise, he would represent a great return. Kolarov arrived from Roma and it remains to be seen whether he will be acting as a centre-back, as in his last games for the Wolves, or on the left flank. With Moses and Biraghi gone, a left-back is much needed at the moment as Dalbert, back from Fiorentina, does not seem to be a first choice. And one more defender also has to be signed, since Godin will be let go after a forgettable campaign. Sanchez was also signed permanently after doing well in the final part of the past campaign but one more attacker might be needed, especially if Martinez is lured by bigger clubs abroad. Eriksen, perhaps the symbol of the past campaign in terms of under-achievement, could be let go, thus making it clear that Conte prefers a more solid 3-5-2 formation to a 3-4-1-2.