As the 2024/2025 football season approaches, Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan will be relishing the opportunity to potentially win the Scudetto on consecutive occasions for the first time since 2007 and go as far as possible in the UEFA Champions League.
After leading the Nerazzurri to Serie A glory last season, head coach Simone Inzaghi will be looking to further strengthen his squad ahead of what is sure to be a long and demanding campaign for all top European clubs.
Soccernet.football takes a look at what Inter’s ideal starting XI could look like if they successfully acquire all their summer targets.
Yann Sommer (GK)
In goal, we expect to see the experienced and reliable Swiss shot-stopper. The former Bayern Munich goalie offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise between the sticks along with his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and imposing command of the penalty area.
Benjamin Pavard (CB)
While the Frenchman is best known for his abilities as a right back, he has made a seamless transition into the central defensive role where he mostly featured for the Nerazzurri last season as they cruised to the Serie A title. His ability to read the game and deliver precise passes from the back make him an obvious choice in this XI.
Mario Hermoso (CB)
The 29-year-old Spaniard is out of contract and available for free on the transfer market. After missing out on the expensive Alessandro Buongiorno, Inter are reportedly now taking a look at the former Atletico Madrid defender. Hermoso’s physicality and ball playing ability will make him the perfect replacement for the aging Francesco Acerbi.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB)
Bastoni was one of Inter’s best players and certainly one of the best center-backs in Europe last season. The 25-year-old exhibits an impressive level of maturity and composure at the back, making him a reliable cornerstone of Inzaghi’s backline. His ability to set the team on the front foot with a precise long pass and his confident ball-carrying skills is a huge bonus.
Denzel Dumfries (RWB)
The Dutchman is ideal for the right wing-back position thanks to his powerful runs down the right flank. Dumfries’ knack for delivering dangerous crosses into the box is a major asset for the forwards. Plus, his commitment to defense means he’s always ready to track back and support, making him a versatile and well-rounded wing-back.
Federico Dimarco (LWB)
Dimarco was one of the standout performers for Inzaghi’s side last season. His pinpoint crosses and set-piece deliveries gave Inter Milan an added edge in attack and the Nerazzurri will be hoping they can rely on the 26-year-old’s skill-set come the start of the 2024/2025 campaign.
Nicolo Barella (CM)
Barella’s tireless work rate and ability to surge forward with the ball make him the driving force of Inter’s midfield. His vision and range of passing allow him to control the pace of games and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. The Italy international also has a knack for scoring crucial goals which makes him an essential part of this XI.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu (CM)
The Turkey international turned out to be an incredible bargain for the Nerazzurri after joining on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer. He thrived as a deep-lying playmaker in Inzaghi’s midfield setup, registering double figures in goals and assists. Given his level of impact on the team last term, it’s difficult to see them lining up without him in the new season.
Piotr Zielinski (CM)
Another transfer market masterstroke from Inter Milan has seen them engage the services of the former Napoli midfielder for free. Zielinski has a talent for finding pockets of space and delivering sharp passes that can break through even the best defenses. His strong work ethic and defensive contributions make him a well-rounded midfielder who can influence the game at both ends of the pitch.
Lautaro Martinez (CF)
Inter’s skipper enjoyed fantastic form in front of goal last season as he fired the Nerazzurri to their 20th Serie A title. He also carried his rich vein of form into the Copa America where he won the Golden Boot Award despite starting most of Argentina’s games on the bench. We expect the prolific Argentine to continue in his role as the focal point of Inzaghi’s attack in the coming season.
Mehdi Taremi (CF)
Inter have added the 32-year-old to their enviable list of attackers and the former Porto striker will offer a combination of physicality and aerial prowess to Inzaghi’s front line. His ability to win headers and hold up the ball will be a nightmare for opposing teams, and his vision to bring others into play will unlock goal scoring opportunities for the Nerazzurri.