by As one of the biggest clubs in the world, Internazionale are always expected to be in the running for major signings. The financial reality of Italian football today, though, means that many of these big name signings simply cannot take place as they used. The current ownership of Inter, too, also means that last summer seen major signings leave the club as opposed to stay on. Fans had hoped this would be a one-off and that a more wealthy Inter would return to major signings in the summer of 2022.
However, according to CEO Beppe Marotta, this is not likely. The former Juventus director was quoted by Sky Sport Italia ahead of the Coppa Italia match against Juve. One of the most interesting storylines of the game is the fact that Paulo Dybala will play in what is sure to be his last final for the Bianconeri. However, it will not be his last Final in Italy – Dybala is expected to sign for Inter this summer.
Given it would be a free transfer, it is seen as a remarkable coup if Inter can convince Dybala to leave Turin for Milan. Marotta was the one who signed Dybala for Juventus in the first place, and seen him as their own version of a Lionel Messi or a Cristiano Ronaldo – a world-class, face-of-the-club type player.
Now, it looks like he will swoop again and sign La Joya once more. when asked about that, though, Marotta was tense, replying to Sky Sport Italia: “Dybala is an excellent footballer, he is available as a free agent, so I think many clubs want him. We have a quality attacking department with five players that have made Inter the best attack in Serie A. We have no problems, but I appreciate Dybala’s qualities.”
Quiet summer expected for Nerazzurri
Even if this is simply game playing by Marotta, fans are expecting to see some activity this summer. Fears exist that domestic heroes Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni could be sacrificed in the summer as Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi were previously. Marotta has done little to quell fears that more change and disruption is coming, though, saying that fans should not expect a revolution this summer.
In the same interview, Marotta noted: “We have a young and talented coach such as Simone Inzaghi, a group of young players representing something positive for the club. We must make some adjustments and make the most of the opportunities. We can’t expect big investments from football clubs, especially in Italy. We need to get useful players for a team that is already shaped.”
Lastly, he was asked about the future of club veteran Ivan Perisic. The Croat has been likely to move on from the club in years previous, but has become a crucial part of both Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi’s teams. On that note, Marotta concluded: “Ivan Perisic’s extension? If he wants to stay, I am optimistic.”
Inter fans hoping for a Massimo Moratti-style mercato, then, might be let down.
