Inter’s Preseason Tour Offers a Glance Into the Future
The Nerazzurri travel to face Europe’s elite in the US with a mixture of experienced stars and exciting young talent.
By Richard Hall (@Gentleman_Ultra)
Stevan Jovetic did not even look at the goalkeeper until the ball had rolled underneath his legs. The Montenegrin’s first touch was sublime in itself as he brought it down out of the air but the following back heel was even better. It was a goal even the home fans applauded, even though Real Salt Lake City were beaten 1-2.
Although only a friendly match, there was still much to admire about an Inter side that had come to the United States with a mixture of youth an experience. They will face some tough opposition in the International Champions Cup but the personal selected could give a strong indicator into the way the Nerazzurri will set up next season.
The preseason competition will see some of Europe’s elite clubs face off in a tournament that showcase some established players and a plethora of ‘bright young things’ who are looking to break through. The Nerazzurri will face Paris St Germain in Oregon this Sunday before facing Bayern Munich in a rerun of the 2010 Champions League Final in Charlotte on July 30.
They will finish this tournament by playing Celtic in Ireland on August 13. This is the fourth time Inter have competed in the Cup and the fifth time they have traveled to the US pre-season.
Inter's Youth Movement
There are certainly signs that the Nerazzurri will be focusing on their youth players this season as seven of the 23-man squad who have traveled are not in Inter’s first team. Admittedly, the rigors of the Copa America and Euro 2016 will have taken its toll on many of the absentees but there is still plenty to look out for.
The fans who frequent the upcoming games will certainly be able to see Mauro Icardi, Samir Handanovic, Miranda, Stevan Jovetic and Rodrigo Palacio, amongst others, who grace the first team but they will get their first glances at the new recruits.
Cristian Ansaldi has arrived from Genoa for €4.7m, the 29-year old has plenty of experience after plying his trade at Zenit St Petersburg and Atletico Madrid. The fullback is strong defensively but also can give Inter a more potent crossing threat from the flanks which is something they lacked last season.
Caner Erkin is another fullback who has been brought in, this time on a free transfer from Fenerbahce. The 27-year old has plenty of experience with over 260 appearances at clubs such as CSKA Moscow and Galatasaray, he will certainly not be intimidated by any atmosphere he faces in Serie A. With 19 goals scored in his career he is a threat going forward and is also very capable from a dead ball situation. His crossing ability is also (as with Ansaldi) going to prove a huge asset for the team.
Inter have for many years produced some superb youth players and this batch is no different. Assane Gnoukouri is one of those who has made up through the ranks and his example will give the others motivation. In 2015 at only 18 years of age, the Ivorian midfielder was the standout player in the Derby Della Madonnina. He ran proceedings on the pitch and splayed passes of high quality across the pitch showing a maturity that was above his years.
Daniel Bessa has also joined the tour and whilst 23 years old and no longer a raw recruit, he has rejoined the team after successful spells at the likes of Vicenza, Bologna and Como. The Brazilian-born midfielder is technically gifted and is superb at playing in the number 10 role, his awareness and vision will no doubt be on display against some of Europe’s elite clubs during this tour.
Other players who may excite this tour are midfielder Loris Zonta, who Mancini already brought into the squad last year. He is a quick winger who has a great ability for shooting from outside the box and memorably scored in the Youth Cup Final against Juventus.
Senna Miangue is also a promising proposition, the Belgian left back is physically intimidating and his powerful running style and endless stamina allows his to make superb offensive runs on occasion.
Finally, Fabi Della Giovanna is a tall defender who was thrown into the last game of the season against Sassuolo last season. He managed to overcome some injury problems to face Juventus in the Cup final also.
There is no doubt that Inter will still look into bringing in new recruits this summer but one thing is for sure: they have an abundance of talented youngsters in their ranks and in this US pre-season tour it will be up to them to make a name for themselves amongst the more established of the group. The mix certainly could be the hallmark of Inter going forward in 2016.