The humiliating defeat suffered yesterday at the hands of PSG forces the club into deep reflection. Simone Inzaghi`s team has reached the end of a cycle, and it`s time to gauge the ownership`s ambitions based on the investments they can make. A 5-0 loss in a final changes everything and shifts perspectives. Before kick-off, Inzaghi`s stay seemed certain, but today the Nerazzurri coach appears further away for obvious reasons. The match against PSG was a watershed moment, and at this point, it is crucial that the ownership also shifts its focus and revises its initial plans, which involved only minor adjustments – a fresh coat of paint useful for covering defects that will soon resurface.
INVESTMENT REACHES 50 MILLION EUROS – Oaktree has allocated approximately 55 million euros for the upcoming transfer market and instructed Piero Ausilio to secure at least a couple of sales to fund any additional signings. Nearly all of this 55 million has already been committed to investments in Luis Henrique (€25m) and Sucic (€16m), plus the redemption of Zalewski from Roma (€6.5m). The total is €47.5m. However, it seems clear that these investments, in light of recent events, can and must represent only the beginning of a process that ultimately needs to be much more solid and structured. Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono will most likely remain names that stirred excitement among fans but will ultimately never wear the Nerazzurri shirt. Yet, if Oaktree intends to provide new energy, it should start with players like these – young, certainly, but talented. Instead, Mastantuono will most likely join PSG`s already impressive squad.
TWO “NEW” FORWARDS – In the coming days, the Nerazzurri will regroup and survey the market. The management had chosen to renew the contracts of Acerbi, de Vrij, and Darmian, a decision that now reveals enormous shortcomings. Some issues can no longer be postponed; urgent action is needed: a defender, two midfielders (likely replacing Asllani and Frattesi), and two forwards. This is the minimum essential shopping list for a team that will soon depart for the Club World Cup with its energy reserves completely depleted, a factor that could seriously jeopardize next season`s results. The name Bonny is liked, and Ausilio is considering him. But also pay attention to Rasmus Højlund; the Danish striker`s candidacy is gaining traction, partly due to good relations between his agent and the Nerazzurri management. He is unhappy in Manchester and wants a change of scenery, but a favorable formula will certainly be necessary because, for now, Inter doesn`t intend to bet too much money on the former Atalanta player, who disappointed in the Premier League. Replacing Correa and Arnautovic with Højlund and Bonny would definitely be a step forward.
