Inter's Young Talent Faces Defining Test as Club Chiefs Eye Moroccan Star

Inter Milan heads to Verona this weekend with an eye on both the immediate challenge and the club’s future trajectory. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, sidelined with a minor adductor issue, will not travel with the team as coach Simone Inzaghi opts to protect the midfield maestro ahead of a grueling fixture schedule. This leaves Inter reliant on Kristjan Asllani, who is facing what many in the Italian media have labeled as his defining test. Adding intrigue, Verona’s squad features Reda Belahyane, a young Moroccan midfielder reportedly on the radar of Inter’s management.

Asllani's Defining Moment

Kristjan Asllani arrived at Inter Milan two years ago as a €16 million investment meant to reduce the team’s reliance on Çalhanoğlu. Yet, despite having played 67 matches since joining, the Albanian midfielder has struggled to convince both fans and pundits of his ability to take on a leading role. Criticism from supporters and Italian media has centered on his lack of visible progress, with some questioning whether Inter’s patience with the 21-year-old is nearing its limit.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Verona, La Gazzetta dello Sport framed the stakes starkly: “This match is not just about playing time or his future at Inter. It’s also about proving whether he has the capacity to handle greater responsibility or if Inter must start considering other options.”

Simone Inzaghi has defended Asllani on multiple occasions, calling him Çalhanoğlu’s “natural understudy” and highlighting his development over the past year. However, the Albanian midfielder’s opportunities this season have been limited. Çalhanoğlu’s six absences this term have coincided with Asllani’s own fitness issues, forcing Inzaghi to rely on makeshift solutions, such as shifting Nicolò Barella or Piotr Zieliński into the deep-lying playmaker role.

This weekend presents Asllani with an ideal scenario: he is healthy, his primary competition is unavailable, and the opposition, while competitive, is not among the league’s elite. Should he falter against Verona, the repercussions could extend beyond his current role. A poor showing might lead Inzaghi to permanently relegate him in favor of positional shifts involving other midfielders—a scenario that would have cascading effects on Inter’s squad dynamics.

Verona’s Hidden Gem: Reda Belahyane

Inter’s interest in Reda Belahyane adds an intriguing subplot to the match. The 20-year-old Moroccan international has been a revelation for Verona this season, earning praise for his energy, defensive tenacity, and technical ability. Born in France to Moroccan parents, Belahyane began his professional career at OGC Nice before joining Verona for €500,000 in 2024.

Belahyane has made 11 Serie A appearances this season, logging 895 minutes and contributing two assists. His industrious style is reflected in the statistics: he ranks 29th in Serie A for total distance covered and 11th for ball recoveries, with 55 instances of regaining possession.

Despite his modest height (approximately 1.75 meters), Belahyane compensates with his mobility, tackling acumen, and tactical discipline. While primarily a defensive midfielder, his technical ability and attacking instincts have added versatility to Verona’s midfield. His international pedigree has also grown, with recent appearances for Morocco’s senior national team after representing France at the youth level.

Verona coach Paolo Zanetti further stoked the transfer speculation in his pre-match comments: “Belahyane is an exceptional young talent with significant room to grow. Tomorrow, he will face players who could very well become his teammates in the future. I’m not saying he will join Inter, but he certainly has the potential to play at that level.”

A Tale of Two Prospects

This match could serve as a symbolic duel between Asllani and Belahyane—one seeking to justify his place at a top club, the other auditioning for a potential move to a higher stage. Italian media have framed the clash as a meeting of the “old lottery ticket” and the “new lottery ticket,” referencing Inter’s reliance on affordable prospects due to their financial constraints.

While some fans have called for Inter to invest in an established world-class midfielder to back up Çalhanoğlu, the club’s economic realities suggest that such a move is unlikely. Instead, Inter’s strategy under executives Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio has focused on signing younger players with potential resale value.

Should Asllani fail to impress, Inter may intensify their interest in Belahyane. The Verona star’s reported €10-15 million valuation could align with the club’s budget, making him an attractive target for next summer’s transfer window.

Broader Implications for Inter

This match is not just about individual performances. Çalhanoğlu’s recurring absences—six games already this season—have exposed Inter’s overreliance on the Turkish international. Despite Inzaghi’s efforts to rotate his squad, the team’s depth in key positions remains a concern.

Asllani’s performance against Verona could influence more than just his immediate future. If he can step up and deliver, it will provide much-needed reassurance to Inzaghi and the club’s hierarchy. However, failure to do so may compel Inter to seek alternatives, whether in-house or on the transfer market.

The stakes are high, not only for Asllani but also for Inter’s broader ambitions. With a packed schedule that includes Champions League commitments, the Nerazzurri can ill afford to have gaps in critical positions. Saturday’s match may ultimately prove pivotal, not just in the league standings but in shaping Inter’s strategy for the future.