Serie A 2018-19: 5 Inter Milan players to watch out for

Inter Milan and AC Milan have enjoyed a competitive rivalry in Italian football history and even today whenever the two teams come up against each other the atmosphere gets heated up.

But in the last few years, both teams haven’t been able to produce the same kind of performances or it could be said that other teams have become much stronger in recent years. In the last season, Inter Milan finished 4th in the table with 72 points, while in the ongoing season they are at the 2nd position and are producing some decent performances. Their 5-0 win over Genoa yesterday might boost their morale for the upcoming matches.

Inter Milan won 5 consecutive titles from the 2005-06 season to 2009-10 season but since then their team hasn’t looked that threatening. Juventus, on the other hand, have looked quite dominating since the 2011-12 season winning 7 consecutive titles since then. In the ongoing season, Inter Milan are looking in good shape as the side is producing some decent performances.

Inter Milan have a side which is a perfect mixture of youth and experience and manager Luciano Spalletti will be hoping his side produces the desired results. In the past 5 to 6 seasons Internazionale have struggled against some of the bigger clubs especially while playing in tournaments like Champions League and Europa League.

Inter Milan team management will have to work in developing this side look as it used to be in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Their UCL comeback win against Tottenham Hotspur which might also act as a morale booster for the team. Known for playing an attacking style of football, Spalletti and the team management have to work on giving the side the confidence that they can beat any team on their day.

The onus will also be on the players to work well with each other which will help them be the number 1 side in Italian football once again. Inter Milan have surely got the quality required to go all the way led by a young captain who is full of intensity. We take a look at 5 players who could be crucial for the side in the ongoing season.

# 1 Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi will be the guiding force in Inter Milan’s forward line. Known for his attacking style of play, Icardi can be deadly with his accelerating pace and superlative finishes.

The 25-year-old is a perfect candidate to lead the side as the striker infuses a lot of energy in the team. The Argentine can be a big threat because of his electric counter attacks and his ability to outclass the best defences with his darting runs.

Icardi is a kind of player who can turn a match on his day with his individual brilliance. His coordination with Lautaro Martinez, Keita Balde, and Matteo Politano will be crucial. Icardi is also known for giving his 100 percent on the field and it is this attitude which could probably guide his teammates to give their best especially during pressure situations.

Last season, Icardi scored 29 goals in 34 Serie A games. In the ongoing campaign, he has already scored 6 goals in 8 games. In the current Champions League season, Icardi has already netted 2 goals in 3 games.

# 2 Radja Nainggolan

FC Internazionale v ACF Fiorentina - Serie A

Radja Nainggolan expressed his disappointment when he was left out of Belgium's World Cup squad in Russia, but the 30-year-old will be raring to prove his worth with some determined performances. Nainggolan is considered to be amongst the best midfielders in Europe because of his ability to play offensively as well as defensively.

The Belgian’s presence will surely infuse a lot of dynamism in the midfield because of his quick moves. The midfielder is also known for his ability to move into goalscoring positions. Nainggolan can also be handy for his ability to create chances and can win the ball back from the opposition.

Nainggolan can keep the ball in possession with his smart moves. Although Nainggolan could only score 4 goals in 31 Serie A games in the last season he contributed with 9 assists overall. His combination with Antonio Candreva could be crucial for Inter Milan in the midfield.

# 3 Ivan Perisic

FC Internazionale v Parma Calcio - Serie A

After an eventful campaign in this year’s World Cup in Russia, Perisic will be hoping to continue with his good run of form. The Croatian will be a vital component in Inter Milan’s forward line alongside Mauro Icardi. The 29-year-old can be quite handy with his ability to evade the opposition’s defence with his fearless runs and creative dribbles.

Perisic has always been a clever operator during set pieces and can be a tricky player during the run of play. Inter Milan fans and manager Luciano Spalletti will be hoping the striker fires when the team requires him to. Perisic is a busy player on the field and can prove his worth during pressure situations.

Perisic can also frustrate any defence because of his ability to keep the ball in possession. He has also looked threatening because of his ability to score goals from difficult positions. He can also provide a much-needed fluency in the midfield. He scored 11 goals in 37 Serie A games in the last season with 9 assists to his name.

# 4 Antonio Candreva

Udinese Calcio v FC Internazionale - Serie A

Antonio Candreva has always been known for being technically strong and offers a lot of variety in this Inter Milan outfit. The 31-year-old has been deployed as a forward in the ongoing season. His partnership with Ivan Perisic and Mauro Icardi will be a crucial factor for Inter Milan.

The Italian offers a lot of stability in the forward line and can be a reliable option while playing against sides which are defensively stronger. The former Lazio player has all the attributes of a striker and has the ability to win the ball back from the opposition. Candreva can also be a handful for his ability to keep the ball in possession.

The midfielder can also work well in the flanks and has proved his class with his precise long passes. Known for his creativity, Candreva can open up the opposition’s defence with his one-touch passes. Although he couldn’t score any goals in the last season for Inter Milan as he was used a midfielder he contributed with 8 assists.

# 5 Sime Vrsaljko

After a great performance in the World Cup in Russia, Sime Vrsaljko will be aiming to maintain his high level. The Croatian was always appreciated for his hard-working traits on the field and his never-say-die attitude.

The 26-year-old can keep any attack in check with his powerful tackles and brave interceptions. The former Atletico de Madrid player played a crucial role for Croatia in the recently concluded World Cup and Spalletti will be hoping the defender shows his capabilities whenever the side needs him to. Vrsaljko can be a tough nut to crack because of his ability to shut out the best attacks with his good defensive awareness.

Vrsaljko's presence in the defence gives a lot of stability in Inter's back line as the 26-year-old has got the ability to win the ball from the opposition and has also shown good offensive skills.

Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.