Inter 2022-23 preview: Time to regain the Scudetto

Inter came a close second last year to Milan in the hunt for the Scudetto last year. Now, after a great summer in the transfer market, Richard Hall looks at how they intend to challenge and fight to regain the title…

It has been a decisive mercato for Inter. They came out of the blocks quickly, getting Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea in a deal that shocked much of Europe. Whilst the Curva Nord urged caution in the return of the Prodigal Son, the rest of the Inter fan base celebrated wildl. His relationship with Lautaro Martinez will be an immense benefit next season and it feels like Simone Inzaghi has been given the tools he needs to grab the Scudetto back out of Milan hands.

Not everything is perfect for the Nerazzurri though, as their financial situation under Suning is still under question and the likes of Milan Skriniar have been reported to be on their way out the club. But as the new season approaches Skriniar is still there, Inter having warned off potential suitors.

Meanwhile some quality has been added to the squad with Kristjan Asllani, Raoul Bellanova, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and especially Andrea Onana all coming in on loans or free transfers. Another upside is that Ivan Perisic, Arturo Vidal, Stefano Sensi and probably Alexis Sanchez will all be large wages removed from the books. In short, Inter are in a better place than they were at the start of last season.

Key man: Lautaro Martinez

Romelu Lukaku’s return means that Lautaro Martinez, above, will be even more dangerous than he has been over the last two seasons. His relationship with the Belgian striker benefited both players as Inter stormed to the title under Antonio Conte, yet last season he had to pick up the slack on his own.

In doing so he became a more complete player and he handled the pressure well. Now, with his partner in crime by his side and both players able to lead the line proficiently, there is a chance that he will be more devastating than ever before.

Coach: Simone Inzaghi

Simone Inzaghi has already had a year to imbed himself into the culture in Milan and his first season was a success with wins in the SuperCoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia only being tainted by a frustrating second place finish. Now, with reinforcements it looks like the coach will be able to make an assault on Serie A and push to regain the title. Beppe Marotta has certainly helped in allowing Inzaghi to continue his approach of playing a more cultured brand of football than his predecessor preferred.

Watch out for: The goalkeeping situation

Setting the goalkeeper conundrum could be critical to how Inter’s season evolves. Onana has come in from Ajax and is a very good custodian. He will replace Samir Handanovic, but the question is when? Too much rotation will not be a good thing and Inter legends Walter Zenga and Gianluca Pagliuca have warned against this.

@RichHall80

Get the full 2022-23 Serie A season preview here.