Inter Milan Fringe Player Shines with Second-Highest Rating, Paving the Way for New Arrival Amidst Controversy

The past 24 hours have been eventful in Italian football, with Roberto Mancini’s sudden resignation as Italy’s national team coach sending shockwaves through the country. Some journalists hinted at potential turmoil when Gianluigi Buffon retired just days earlier, and their predictions appear to have come true. Meanwhile, whispers of Juventus emerging stronger after navigating recent sanctions are circulating, though the full story remains to be seen.

For Inter Milan, the summer transfer window has been anything but smooth. One saga that continues to dominate headlines is the stalled transfer of Lazar Samardžić, with his father reportedly demanding a higher offer from Inter, despite pressure from both Udinese and Inter. However, Inter’s steadfast refusal to increase their bid suggests the deal may collapse, potentially affecting their remaining transfer plans.

In the midst of this chaotic backdrop, Inter played their final preseason friendly against modest opposition Ignatia, securing a 4-2 victory. The match highlighted three recurring issues that have plagued the Nerazzurri throughout their preseason campaign: defensive instability, poor finishing, and surprising performances from players considered surplus to requirements.

Defensive Woes Persist

Inter’s defense remains a concern for head coach Simone Inzaghi. Across four preseason matches, the team has conceded seven goals, highlighting a lack of cohesion and concentration at the back. Despite facing lower-tier opposition, Inter’s backline has struggled to maintain solidity, often looking vulnerable under pressure.

Against Ignatia, defensive lapses once again allowed the opposition to score twice. These recurring mistakes are a worrying sign for Inzaghi, who will need to tighten up his defensive setup before the Serie A opener. With the departure of key players like Milan Škriniar and ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential defensive reinforcements, Inter’s backline is a work in progress.

Missed Chances Highlight Attacking Inefficiency

Inter’s inability to convert scoring opportunities has been another theme of their preseason. Across four friendly matches, the team has squandered numerous chances, with enough missed opportunities to compile an entire highlight reel of near-misses.

In the match against Ignatia, this trend continued, with several clear-cut chances going unconverted. Despite the victory, Inzaghi’s men were far from clinical, raising concerns about their attacking efficiency heading into the new season. Players like Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram will need to sharpen their finishing if Inter hopes to challenge for silverware in the upcoming campaign.

Valentino Lazaro: A Surprising Standout

One of the most intriguing stories of Inter’s preseason has been the unexpected resurgence of Valentino Lazaro. The Austrian winger, who has been on the fringes of the squad for several seasons, delivered a standout performance against Ignatia, earning the second-highest rating from La Gazzetta dello Sport, behind only Nicolo Barella.

Lazaro’s performance was highlighted by a brilliant assist, where he accelerated down the left flank, beat his marker with a clever touch, and delivered a pinpoint cross for the goal. His pace, dribbling, and vision were on full display, leading to renewed questions about whether he could still have a role to play at Inter.

However, it remains unlikely that Lazaro will be reintegrated into Inzaghi’s plans. Throughout the preseason, Lazaro has been used sparingly. He saw limited minutes in Inter’s tour of Japan and was only brought on as a late substitute in the match against Red Bull Salzburg. Against Ignatia, he benefitted from Robin Gosens’ impending departure and the gap left by new signing Carlos Augusto’s delayed arrival.

Paving the Way for Carlos Augusto

Lazaro’s strong showing is seen by many as paving the way for Carlos Augusto, who is set to join Inter from Monza. According to reports, Augusto will undergo his medical on Monday and could make his debut in Inter’s Serie A opener against his former club Monza.

The coaching staff is eager to integrate Augusto into the squad, viewing him as a key addition to the left flank. While Lazaro’s performance against Ignatia was impressive, it is unlikely to change Inter’s long-term plans. Augusto’s arrival is expected to solidify the left wing-back position, providing both defensive stability and attacking thrust.

Social Media Backlash Against Samardžić

While Lazaro’s unexpected resurgence has been a feel-good story, the ongoing drama surrounding Lazar Samardžić has taken a different turn. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism of the young midfielder and his family, who are accused of derailing the transfer for a relatively small financial gain.

Inter’s decision to allocate a portion of their limited budget to sign Samardžić highlights their belief in his potential. Despite financial constraints, the club prioritized his acquisition, expecting him to add creativity and depth to the midfield. However, the protracted negotiations and his father’s insistence on a higher offer have frustrated fans and club officials alike.

Many supporters have taken to social media to urge Samardžić to reconsider his stance, warning that he may miss out on a significant opportunity at Inter. The Nerazzurri are known for rewarding players who perform well, as evidenced by recent contract extensions for players like Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Barella, and Lautaro Martínez. Samardžić’s reluctance to finalize the move is seen by many as short-sighted, potentially costing him a chance to showcase his talent at a top club.

Looking Ahead

As Inter prepares for the start of the Serie A season, the club finds itself navigating a delicate balance between on-field preparations and off-field distractions. While the arrival of Carlos Augusto is expected to strengthen the squad, unresolved transfer sagas and defensive vulnerabilities remain areas of concern.

For players like Lazaro, the preseason has provided a platform to remind the coaching staff of their abilities. However, with new signings on the horizon, their future at the club remains uncertain. As Inter enters the new season, the focus will be on turning potential into performance and ensuring that off-field drama does not derail their ambitions on the pitch.