Former Inter player Stephane Dalmat insists Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi are big losses, but the man they really can’t do without is Nicolò Barella.
The Nerazzurri won the Scudetto last season, but have already dismantled the squad, with coach Antonio Conte walking away, Hakimi sold to PSG and Lukaku back at Chelsea.
“Conte’s farewell was only partly a surprise for me, because even before winning the Scudetto, I had realised there was something not working between him and the club,” Dalmat told FCInter1908.
“Lukaku was very important for the title win and allowed the team to reach a new level. He’ll be difficult to replace, as will Hakimi, who had an extraordinary season. It’s going to be tougher to challenge for the title, that’s for sure.”
Inter fans are furious at Lukaku’s €115m transfer to Chelsea, defacing two murals outside San Siro.
“I understand the fans, they had an extraordinary season winning the Scudetto and wanted to continue building on that. They feel betrayed by the club and I understand their rage,” added Dalmat.
Inter have brought in Edin Dzeko from Roma and are negotiating for either Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata or Lazio’s Joaquin Correa.
“I don’t think the latter two are worthy of Inter. I like Dzeko, he showed that he’s one of the best in the world at Roma, but is not young anymore and is not at Lukaku’s level right now.”
If there is just one player Dalmat warns Inter cannot afford to lose, then he is in their midfield, as Dalmat points to Barella as the key figure in the squad.
I wish Milan had him.
i hope serie a clubs stop selling their stars from a juve fan
Barella must remain in inter