Simone Inzaghi feels like Inter have changed personnel, but ‘the structure and principles’ remain the same, while he encourages competition for every place. ‘It keeps everyone on their toes.’
The Nerazzurri had an ideal start to the Serie A season, sweeping Monza aside 2-0 at San Siro with a brace from Lautaro Martinez.
“It was a good performance against a strong opponent. I am satisfied with those who started and I saw enthusiasm from those who came off the bench. The fans also filled San Siro in mid-August and that is a good sign too, there are a lot of positives,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
Marcus Thuram was the only outfield player in the starting XI who was not already with Inter last season.
“He did what he needed to, came back to help out, attacked the space when it was the right moment to do so. He was a little unlucky on a few opportunities.”
The second goal was on an assist from debutant Marko Arnautovic, although the Austrian technically already played for this club with a handful of appearances back in the 2009-10 campaign.
It was also the opportunity for the debuts of Yann Sommer, Thuram, Davide Frattesi, Carlos Augusto and Yann Bisseck, so although the search for a defender continues, this squad does not lack strength in depth.
Inzaghi won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana last season, as well as reaching the Champions League Final, so it was noted this feels like a continuation of that group.
“Without doubt, we changed many players – some our own choice, some those made by individual players – but the team sticks to its principles and you can see the structure is always there. We are coming off two important seasons, we want to do even better.
“The club is working hard, as we still need something to complete the squad and it is our duty to make the fans happy.”
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta said before the game that ‘negotiations are still very much open’ with Bayern Munich for Benjamin Pavard, who is their primary target in defence.
“I don’t like naming the players who are at other clubs. We know that we need cover in that role and the transfer window is open, so anything can happen. I like to have competition for every role in my team, including the goalkeepers, as it keeps everyone on their toes.
“It is not a problem for a coach to have too many options, it is important that he should always have doubts on who to pick. It’s a problem when there are players out injured or suspended.”
Carlos Augusto will perhaps be more of a challenge for Federico Dimarco than Robin Gosens was last season, so could too much competition be damaging for Inter morale?
“I don’t think that could cause issues, because the lads are intelligent, they know everyone has alternatives in their positions. On the wings, it is the most tiring role, so I often change them during a game to lift the energy levels.”