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Inter, in the last two years, something in the accounts of the Nerazzurri doesn’t add up, especially concerning their market strategies.

After unexpectedly reaching the Champions League final in 2023, the Nerazzurri club regained a European prestige that seemed lost and, armed with this new awareness, Simone Inzaghi’s team then brought the Scudetto back to Milan in the following season. This year too, Inter proves to be competitive on multiple fronts: chasing Napoli in the league, competing for the Coppa Italia, and impressing in the first phase of the Champions League by reaching the top eight.

However, despite the successes, some signs indicate that something is not working as it should. At key moments of the season – such as in the recent defeat against Fiorentina – the team showed unexpected vulnerabilities, often due to a bench that was unable to provide the necessary support. When core players like Acerbi, Calhanoglu, Lautaro, or Thuram were absent or struggling, the second-string players failed to deliver the same level of performance.

Inter, the issue with the “second-string players”

The choices of the management have come under scrutiny. In the last four transfer windows, Inter has acquired a total of 17 players. However, only three of them can be considered true starters, namely Pavard, Sommer, and Marcus Thuram. They have always been present or nearly so, with little room for their alternatives, except for Pavard, who had to deal with some physical issues.

The major issue lies instead with those who were supposed to expand the squad and provide adequate rotation. Davide Frattesi, despite playing a significant role in winning the Scudetto with crucial goals as a substitute, has seen his performance decline, and only 11 starting appearances in a year and a half do not justify the €35 million investment. Bisseck, seen as a future prospect, has made a good impact but is still in a growth phase.

DAVIDE FRATTESI PENSIVE ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

The real issues come from the offensive department. Arnautovic, Sanchez, and Taremi – as well as Correa – have never been a credible alternative to the starters Lautaro and Thuram. Between physical problems and difficulties adapting to Inzaghi’s style of play, their contribution has been marginal.

If Inter wants to maintain its high level and continue competing on multiple fronts, Marotta will need to adjust their market strategy. The management will have to review their strategies to provide Simone Inzaghi with a deeper and more reliable squad, avoiding unproductive investments that could ultimately jeopardize the club’s competitiveness.