Serena on the Nerazzurri market: investment is needed, but it depends on the ownership

Italian football continues to deal with economic difficulties compared to the big European clubs. Aldo Serena, speaking to the magazine Panorama, analyzed the transfer market situation and the moment of Italian teams, including Inter.

“The transfer market seems a bit subdued, with people staying on the sidelines. Our clubs do not have the strength to compete with powerhouses like those in the Premier League or like Paris Saint Germain or even Real and Barcelona,” explained the former striker. Despite the difficulties, however, we must not give up: “We need to approach the market with good judgment and it seems to me that Italian football has gone against the trend in recent years. We managed to win a Europa League with Atalanta and reach the Champions League final twice.”

The strategy to follow, according to Serena, is clear: “We have no alternatives in Italy, we must necessarily go in that direction. So, improve scouting, try to get ahead of others, and also find formulas that are tactically different from our traditional football. In this change, I would also involve the technical center of Coverciano, the coaching school, where new coaches are trained.”

On the current moment of the Nerazzurri, the former footballer commented: “Inter has built up a clear advantage that they should now try to maintain, but even Inter is dealing with the usual issue of a difficult transfer market.” Serena added: “He’s right, they should. But if the ownership is not willing and the directors and coach can only ask but deals are not closed, you remain stuck. Inter has a structure that is certainly more established, more qualitative compared to the competition, but they should increase the quality.”

Finally, a comment on Como and modern football: “I wouldn’t say I’m in love, but I realize that there are clubs that, also having considerable resources like Como—because Como, economically, is a powerhouse—are taking a direction to follow. It’s not the absolute rule, because if you don’t have the possibility to get certain players, you can’t do it with those who have reduced technical quality. So, to play at those levels, you necessarily need to have high-quality players.”