Intense Competition at Inter Milan Sparks Extra Training Frenzy: Italian Media Predicts Striker Taremi to Break Through

At Inter Milan, extra training sessions have become a trend among players, driven by fierce competition for starting positions in the upcoming season. Davide Frattesi, currently enjoying his holiday after the European Championship, embodies this dedication. Despite Inter's policy of recommending players take a full three-week break post-tournament to recover for the grueling season ahead, Frattesi continues to train even on vacation. His determination is evident as he engages in weighted running on the beach, underscoring the heightened competition within the squad this season compared to the last.

The renowned Gazzetta dello Sport highlights the intense battles for seven key positions at Inter:

• Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer vs. José Martínez
• Right Center-Back: Benjamin Pavard vs. Yann Bisseck
• Center-Back: Francesco Acerbi vs. Stefan de Vrij
• Right Wing-Back: Matteo Darmian vs. Denzel Dumfries
• Right Central Midfielder: Nicolò Barella vs. Davide Frattesi
• Left Central Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan vs. Piotr Zieliński
• Forward: Marcus Thuram vs. Mehdi Taremi

This competition could further intensify if Inter signs a new left center-back, which would introduce a new rival for Alessandro Bastoni, and bolster the battle between Carlos Augusto and Federico Dimarco for the left-back position.

Goalkeeper: Sommer vs. Martínez

José Martínez will start the season as a backup, but his passing ability, confidence, and personality have impressed manager Simone Inzaghi. The plan is to rotate him in gradually, especially given that Yann Sommer will turn 36 in December. Time seems to favor the younger Martínez in this scenario.

Right Central Midfielder: Barella vs. Frattesi

Davide Frattesi hopes for more starting opportunities this season, but displacing Nicolò Barella, who plays a crucial role for Inter, will not be easy. The arrival of Piotr Zieliński could further limit Frattesi's chances. With Zieliński potentially taking the left central midfielder spot, Barella would remain on the right, making it even harder for Frattesi to break into the starting eleven. The Italian media suggests that while Frattesi is a regular starter for the national team, his best role at Inter might be as the "best 12th man."

Right Wing-Back: Darmian vs. Dumfries

Last season, Matteo Darmian overtook Denzel Dumfries for the starting spot primarily due to Dumfries' fitness issues and contract uncertainty. However, with Dumfries' situation now stable and his impressive performance in the European Championship, Inzaghi has hinted that Dumfries could reclaim his starting position. Darmian's versatility remains valuable for squad depth.

Right Center-Back: Pavard vs. Bisseck

Benjamin Pavard experienced a mix of emotions this summer. He was disappointed by his lack of opportunities in the European Championship and even considered retiring from international football. Yet, this situation might benefit Inter, as Pavard's gratitude towards the club and fans has grown. However, he might face a tough challenge from Yann Bisseck, whose physical condition and preparation could put him ahead. Bisseck will need to make significant improvements to surpass Pavard.

Center-Back: Acerbi vs. de Vrij

Francesco Acerbi is returning from a severe injury, and his performance over the past two seasons has been commendable. The main question is whether he can regain his form post-injury. If he struggles, Stefan de Vrij, who showed continental-level quality at the 2024 European Championship, could seize the opportunity.

Left Central Midfielder: Mkhitaryan vs. Zieliński

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's advantage lies in his familiarity with the system and his excellent physical condition, allowing him to recharge during FIFA international breaks. However, many experts believe that Piotr Zieliński is more likely to secure the starting role due to his direct goal threat, a quality that Inter's midfield has been lacking. Zieliński's abilities could provide significant value to the team.

Forward: Thuram vs. Taremi

Among the substitutes, Mehdi Taremi poses the greatest threat to the current starters. While the Thuram-Lautaro Martínez duo was effective last season, Taremi, the new number 99 for Inter, has proven his worth quickly. Known as the "budget Benzema," Taremi's strong hold-up play and ability to unite the team have been evident in preseason. He outperformed Marcus Thuram in terms of durability and scoring ability, scoring three goals in two friendly matches and boasting an impressive record of 91 goals for Porto over the past four seasons.

Taremi's earlier start to summer training compared to Lautaro and Thuram suggests he might shoulder more responsibility early in the season. If he performs well in the initial matches, the competition for the starting forward position could become a match-by-match decision. Additionally, Taremi's number 99 jersey is reportedly selling well, according to social media feedback.

The intensification of competition across these seven key positions has led to a culture of extra training and a "24/7 work ethic" at Inter Milan. This development is welcomed by coach Simone Inzaghi, who is keen to see similar competition across all positions, potentially with new signings in defense and attack. Such internal rivalry is expected to add unpredictability and excitement to Inter Milan's upcoming season.