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August 14, 2024
After clinching their 20th Serie A title last season and entering this term as solid favorites, what can we expect from Italian champions Inter? Here’s a comprehensive preview of their 2024/25 season.
Having secured their 20th scudetto with five games to spare and a remarkable 19-point lead over second-placed AC Milan, Inter enters the 2024/25 Serie A season as the clear favorites for many.
Simone Inzaghi’s side has retained the core of their team, with both Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella extending their commitments to the Nerazzurri through contract renewals.
While they are expected to be strong title contenders, it remains to be seen how they will respond to increased competition and whether the chemistry that proved invaluable last season will continue.
Inter’s transfer window has been smooth this summer. Sporting director and newly appointed club president Giuseppe Marotta has concentrated on extending critical stars’ contracts to maintain Inzaghi’s squad’s competitiveness.
Retaining sought-after players like Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and Lautaro Martinez marks a significant step forward compared to the club’s recent history.
This strategy has enabled Inter’s management to target players to enhance their depth. Piotr Zielinski and striker Mehdi Taremi have joined on free transfers, providing Inzaghi with reliable options in both midfield and attack.
Additionally, Inter has signed 26-year-old goalkeeper Josep Martinez from Genoa for €13.5 million to eventually replace Yann Sommer. While the Swiss keeper is expected to initially remain Inzaghi’s first choice, Martinez will likely have opportunities to showcase his skills, particularly around Champions League fixtures.
The departure of Alexis Sanchez has left Inter needing additional attacking options, which is why they have been linked with Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson throughout the summer.
However, in the final weeks of the transfer window, the Nerazzurri will need to offload Joaquin Correa before bringing in any new players. This move also allows them to target a new center-back.
Inter’s summer friendlies, which included a victory against Las Palmas and a 2-0 loss to Al-Ittihad, provided limited insights into how Simone Inzaghi might adjust his starting XI, especially with many players still on holiday before their final match against Chelsea.
One thing is sure: the coach will stick to his signature 3-5-2 formation. New signings Zielinski and Taremi are expected to play more prominent roles. At the same time, Davide Frattesi is anticipated to see increased playing time compared to last season.
Effective player rotations will be crucial for Inzaghi during a lengthy season, especially with the new expanded Champions League format requiring careful management of player fatigue to maximize performance.
As it stands, here’s Inter’s predicted first-choice line-up for the 2024/25 season: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij (Acerbi), Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella (Frattesi), Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan (Zielinski); Lautaro, Thuram (Taremi).
Inter’s 2024/2025 Serie A season will kick off against Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, where they played to a 1-1 draw last year.
Simone Inzaghi will face his first major challenge before the September international break as Inter takes on Atalanta in the third round at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 30.
The fifth matchday is already highlighted on fans’ calendars. Inter is set to host AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on September 21/22, shortly after the players return from international duty.
Inter will also host crucial matches against Juventus and Napoli throughout the autumn, scheduled for October 27 and November 10, respectively (exact dates to be confirmed).
The return fixtures against Milan, Juventus, and Napoli, all anticipated to be title contenders, will occur within a month during the winter, from early February to early March.
Inter’s season will conclude on May 25, 2025, with an away match against newly-promoted Como.
With a few new faces in the squad, all eyes will be on Inter’s signings.
Former Porto striker Taremi has demonstrated impressive consistency in front of goal over the past few seasons. His performance in Serie A will be crucial to Inter’s title defense; if he can reach double figures in his debut season in Milan, it could give the Nerazzurri a significant edge over their competitors.
After eight seasons at Napoli, 30-year-old Zielinski must prove that his best years are still ahead of him. Inzaghi is counting on him to contribute more goals from open play and enhance the quality in the final third, which could be vital for breaking down even the most stubborn defenses.
Beyond the new signings, center-back Yann Bisseck has the potential to emerge as one of Inter’s standout players this year. He has been impressive during pre-season, showcasing his physical strength and ability to drive the ball forward. This may earn him increased playing time as the season progresses.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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