One club that was extremely busy during the transfer period was of course Inter. With many of the old guard leaving a number of new faces were brought in. Though still a work in progress it is intriguing to see how all of the signings will fit in.
With the rebuilding process at Inter thoroughly underway, there are potentially exciting times ahead for all Interisti around the world. Massimo Moratti made his intentions clear during the summer and has set up a great project at Inter, with exciting young coach Andrea Stramaccioni at the helm.
One potential problem for the Nerazzurri could be too much change at once. With so many changes coming in one summer, could it be a case of too much too soon for the Nerazzurri? It is yet to be seen where everyone will fit into this new look side.
Having brought in new players in almost every position, Moratti is clearly trying to make sure last season’s disastrous sixth place finish doesnt happen again.
One of Inter’s first signings of the of the mercato was that of Matias Silvestre, who arrived on loan from Palermo with the option to buy at the end of the current campaign. The centre back position was most in need of attention during the summer. Silvestre was brought in to replace the departed Lucio, whilst also to try bring more solidity to the shaky back line.
However, Silvestre has not had the best of starts to his career at Inter. Stramaccioni is looking to use Silvestre and Andrea Ranocchia as his centre back pairing for the upcoming season starting them in the first two games of the season against Pescara and Roma respectively.
Silvestre was far from convincing in the two games, making some simple mistakes and was caught ball watching on numerous occasions. It may take time for him to make a real impact but he will really need improve his performances if he still wants to be wearing a black and blue shirt next season.
The last signing of Inter’s summer mercato was that of Alvaro Pereira from Porto. The Uruguayan made his Inter debut at home to Roma and impressed; he was Inter’s best player on the night. Starting in midfield the new signing got up and down the pitch well and also slotted into the left back position when Yuto Nagatomo went forward.
With the ability to play in midfield and also at left back Pereira will be a useful asset this season. It will be interesting to see how Strama will deploy him. With strong midfield options such as Fredy Guarin, Esteban Cambiasso and Walter Gargano among others, it will be tough to see where he will fit in. The left back position is a more likely option, as Nagatomo and Cristian Chivu are the only real options and neither inspire confidence.
One option for Stramaccioni could be to switch Nagatomo to right back, and slotting Peraira into the left back, which would also solve the issue caused by the departure of Douglas Maicon.
Without doubt Inter look strongest in the attacking department after the summer transfer market. With arrivals such as Rodrigo Palacio and Antonio Cassano, things are looking extremely positive with arguably have the best front line in Serie A.
After a great pre-season Palacio looks to be an excellent addition for Inter. During the summer Strama opted to use him in numerous positions particularly on the wing or behind Diego Milito. However, with the introduction of the 4-3-2-1 it is looking more likely that Palacio will be used as a ‘vice-Milito’ due to the lack of a ‘prima punta’ other than the aforementioned, and the fact that Cassano and Wesley Sneijder look to be the first choice for Stramaccioni to play in behind the frontman.
It is also yet to be seen what kind of role Philippe Coutinho and Ricardo Alvarez will be given. Coutinho is one player that is particulary exciting to see how he develops over the course of this season. After a short loan spell at Espanyol where the young Brazilian came on leaps and bounds, this season could be his break through. It will certainly be tough to break into the first team, with others ahead of him in the pecking order. With the fact that Cassano is not fully fit he may be used as a back up.
After a up and down first season at the Nerazzurri, where he showed moments of brilliance and some not so great moments, this will also be a big season for the development as Alvarez as a player. His ability to beat a man and his elegance on the ball make him a joy to watch at times. Again the problem could be a lack of playing time for the Argentine, and he may struggle to make a real impact on the first team.
With all the changes at Inter over the summer it will be interesting to see how everyone will fit in at the club. It is not to be forgotten that it is a rebuilding process at Inter and that instant success will not be achieved.
