The Nerazzurri squad is ready for the start of the championship, but some targeted moves are still needed in the transfer market. Aldo Serena shared his thoughts with Tuttosport after the recent friendlies against Milan and Juventus.
“Inter, both in the derby and against Juventus, confirmed that it has a solid structure. Whoever plays knows what to do, they are already ready for the start of the championship. Milan is a work in progress and is experiencing a more complex situation,” he said.
On the incoming transfer front, Serena has clear ideas: “Numerically, a winger, both because Dumfries has left and because Carlos Augusto will be used more often as Bastoni’s backup. If then Stankovic is trusted as an alternative to Calhanoglu, then I agree with Chivu when he thinks of a midfielder like Curtis Jones. The Englishman could be a valid addition to the squad to make up for some shortcomings in terms of dynamism.”
The former striker, however, expressed doubts about the management of the goalkeeper role: “I continue to believe that there should be a clear starter in goal, because the goalkeeper must feel maximum confidence. It seems to me that Martinez and Provedel start, if not on equal footing, certainly in competition. I would bet on one and stick with that choice. If after a couple of months it doesn’t pay off, then you can change or alternate.”
On Diouf, Serena highlighted room for growth: “He is not yet complete, he needs to mature and improve his connection with teammates in the defensive phase, but already last season he showed qualities that others do not have, an above-average change of pace. He can explode.”
As for Pavard, the analysis is positive: “The Frenchman remains a player of substance. If the misunderstandings of the past are truly behind us, I think Pavard remains a highly reliable element.” On Stones, however, caution is needed: “He comes from a different football and will have to be good at fitting into an already well-oiled context. He will need to be protected by his teammates, without leaving him large spaces to cover alone.”
On the possible fifth striker, the position is clear: “It doesn’t seem like an urgent need to me, I believe that Lautaro, Thuram, Pio and Bonny are enough, they are four players of excellent level and can fill certain gaps. I think of Thuram and Bonny as good at spreading out, taking on their man and providing depth.”
The conclusion looks at the season’s objectives: “Inter is ahead of everyone in Italy and remains the favorite. The Nerazzurri, however, must try to break into the top teams in Europe. With one more winger and Curtis Jones, Chivu can also aim for the Champions League semi-final.”
A particular aspect concerns Bastoni, Dimarco and Barella: “They have never taken a break and have experienced periods of decline over the last two seasons. Not having played in the World Cup and having had a break will undoubtedly be a plus.”
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