Inter boss Simone Inzaghi says his players must ‘improve’ their commitment this season to avoid the same problems as recent Serie A title holders and is happy with the club’s transfer activity, but insists he still needs a defender.
Inter are preparing for the first Serie A game of the season at Marassi against Genoa.
The Nerazzurri will return to the pitch tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, at 18:30 CET (16:30 GMT), against the Grifone.
“We know our responsibility this season,” Inzaghi told DAZN as quoted by TMW.
“After winning the second star, we must improve our commitment. The defending champions have had some problems in the last few seasons, and we must avoid the same, so I insist on dedication and focus.”
Inter signed Josep Martinez, Mehdi Taremi and Piotr Zielinski this summer, but Inzaghi is waiting for one more purchase.
Inzaghi explains what Inter must avoid in new Serie A campaign and gives transfer verdict
“The team is pretty much the same. We signed three players who need no presentation and who’ll help us with rotations,” he said.
“Then we knew we’d have to sign one defender, given Buchanan’s absence until December-January.”
The Canada international suffered a tibia injury while on international duty this summer.
“We all know the new players and they’ll surely help us,” continued Inzaghi.
“Zielinski was an excellent signing. My midfield must have quality and we surely have it. It was a quality midfield already and now we’ve added Zielinski.”
How about Inter’s opponents and the Nerazzurri’s targets in 2024-25?
“All teams are getting stronger. All my colleagues will aim for the title, whether they admit it or not,” said the Nerazzurri boss.
“Two years ago, we reached the Champions League Final. Last season and on my first year we reached the Round of 16 but we saw an Inter side that tried to complete a European path in the best way.
“The best clubs play in the Champions League, and their budgets are different from ours. We could play 68/69 games this season, and with international games, the tally could rise further. There will be the Club World Cup. The pre-season was a little trickier because not all players started simultaneously, but everyone has been available.”
Inter will once again rely on Lautaro Martinez, last season’s best scorer in Serie A and the best goal-scorer in the latest Copa America won by his national team, Argentina. Does he deserve to win the Ballon d’Or this year?
“The titles he’s won with Inter and Argentina will surely help him, but he was already there last season,” Inzaghi replied.
“He’s a top player and I’m happy he extended his contract. The captain’s armband clearly gave him more responsibility. He must continue giving us the same on and mainly off the pitch.”
The Italian tactician will also hold a pre-match press conference at 14:00 CET today.