The closing of the transfer market is set for September 1st: 22 days remain. An eternity according to Cristian Chivu, but time is starting to run out. The pitch, despite the caution that comes with August football, has given a clear indication: Inter remains the team to beat in Serie A.

Captain Lautaro, Thuram, Stones, Sucic, and Akanji have not yet taken the field, yet the Nerazzurri have picked up exactly where they left off. The victory against Juventus wrapped up the tour between Hong Kong and Perth in the best possible way, after the draw against Milan and the penalty shootout win over Manchester City. Beyond the results, however, a precise feeling emerges: Inter is very strong but incomplete.

Not in defense. The stay of Pavard is becoming more and more concrete, and his performances are heading in that direction. With the arrival of Stones and the excellent signs from the young Bovio, the department can be considered calm. The funds can be redirected elsewhere, without resorting to Romero. The department will be completed by Akanji, Bisseck, Bastoni, and Carlos Augusto, barring surprises.

The real numerical gap remains on the wing, after the departure of Dumfries. Inter is taking the necessary time to choose who to invest in, but one question is inevitable: after being close to Palestra and very close to Khalaili, is there certainty that the player from the market will be more ready and effective than Diouf? The Frenchman is undoubtedly the surprise of the preseason. The doubts, if any, concern the defensive phase, but every time Chivu has deployed him on the wing, the former Lens player has shown himself to be exactly the profile sought on the market: speed, stamina, ability to beat his man, reach the byline, and attack spaces. Now also with a knack for scoring. Will the plan be completed with his compatriot Diaby?

Then there is the midfield. The departure of Frattesi now seems inevitable, because the midfielder has become an outsider to the project. Asllani represents a closed chapter, Massolin will in all likelihood be sent out on loan. But Inter cannot think of facing a long and complicated season with just six midfielders, considering the doubts related to the age and injuries of some players. Mkhitaryan and Calhanoglu are the names that require the most reflection, while still remaining fundamental. Stankovic and Sucic are destined to find space and represent two important resources, but something different is needed, perhaps a player capable of linking midfield and attack and offering Chivu an additional tactical solution. Like Jones.

The direction seems to be that of a 7+4 formula, with the possible Diaby variant, which could represent the ideal compromise to build a more balanced squad suited to Chivu’s ideas. What is perplexing, as of August 10th, is the slowness on the outgoing front, which inevitably also blocks the incoming chapter. Until space, resources, and slots are freed up, it becomes difficult to complete the squad.

But the market is still long and the last weeks of August, historically, are those in which anything can happen. It’s the period of bargains, opportunities, and sudden moves. The important thing will be not to buy just for the sake of buying, but to identify players truly capable of further raising the level of the team. Because this Inter, today, seems to need very little to become complete. The foundation is very strong, Chivu’s work is giving interesting indications, and the squad has quality, experience, and talent. In 22 days, Inter will have to be stronger than the one seen today.

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