How Luciano Spalletti has made Inter Milan title contenders again

2016-17 was one of the worst seasons in recent memory for football club Internazionale. The bad run started as early as preseason, with Roberto Mancini sacked just 2 weeks before the start of the campaign. An infamous yet ephemeral Frank De Boer stewardship lasted just 85 days before Stefano Pioli took over, and he too didn’t manage to see out the season. By the time caretaker, Stefano Vecchi led Inter to 7th place in the table, the club was mired in a chaos of massive proportions.

The announcement of Luciano Spalletti as the new manager in June 2017, therefore, was greeted enthusiastically by the fans. He had a proven track record in Serie A, having led Roma to 3rd and 2nd place finishes in the previous 2 seasons. Yet fears persisted over Spalletti’s lack of silverware, the lack of squad depth and the relatively modest transfer activity (especially in contrast to rivals AC Milan).

Those fears have since been proven to be completely unfounded. The 5-0 thrashing of Chievo in early December took Spalletti’s men to the top of the Serie A – albeit a position they have since relinquished with losses to Udinese and Sassuolo. Still, the massive improvement throughout the squad is there for all to see – Spalletti has given the fanbase reason to dream again.

Here’s how Inter Milan has turned into title contenders again:

---

Man-management skills

Even after his departure to Juventus, Spalletti retains fond memories of his former boss

Spalletti's man-management skills are distinguished in the Serie A. The way he eased Totti to retirement at Roma drew a lot of plaudits; he helped Edin Dzeko rediscover his goalscoring touch and shifted Radja Nainggolan to an attacking midfield role that resulted in the Belgian scoring more goals than ever. Miralem Pjanic, even after his move to Turin, retains a strong emotional connection with his former boss.

At Inter, Andrea Ranocchia has been one of the key beneficiaries of Spalletti's influence. The Italian isn't very popular among the fans; for some of them, he epitomises the mediocrity the club has come to accept in recent years. According to a report in football Italia, during a preseason camp, a supporter on the touchlines shouted at Ranocchia, "You've got to go!", to which Spalletti replied, "No. You are the one who needs to leave."

His faith has not been in vain. Going into the recent match against Chievo, Miranda, Gagliardini, and Vecino were simultaneously unavailable. Ranocchia stepped in with an assured performance and the fans responded with nonstop encouragement and support.

This sense of squad harmony and unity could only be a sign of positive things to come.

Big match performances

Inter's away win at Roma was a resounding statement to the rest of the league

In 3 matches away against Roma, Napoli, and Juventus, Inter conceded just 1 goal en route to amassing 5 points. Such points could be crucial come May – points collected against fellow changers at their home grounds. Under Spalletti, Inter have risen to the occasion more than a few times; such temperament if retained in the second half of the season could be crucial to their success.

The home match against Chievo was another case in point. Ahead of the match, Juventus’ 1-0 win over Napoli had confirmed that Inter had the chance to go top of the table with a win. Yet, Spalletti’s men thrived at the onset of pressure rather than succumb to it; they eased to a 5-0 rout.

Astute signings in the transfer market

Milan Skriniar and Borja Valero have proven to be inspired signings

Ahead of the season, AC Milan’s pompous transfer market dealings had caused a certain disquiet among the fans of Inter. Inter had not made any ‘statement’ signings, while the likes of Calhanoglu and Ricardo Rodriguez smiled broadly holding AC Milan jerseys aloft.

However, Milan’s shopping spree has since proved directionless. With Leonardo Bonucci leading the way, most of Milan’s summer recruits have failed to live up to their billing, while Inter’s acquisitions have proven to be shrewd and astute.

Skriniar has established himself as the club’s number one centre back, Borja Valero has been a solid addition in midfield and Dalbert Henrique may yet prove to be the long-term answer at left-back. Inter needs to continue to be smart in the transfer market for the glory years to return to San Siro.

No European football

Inter have benefitted from the absence of European football

While Juventus, Napoli, and Roma will have crucial European ties in their schedule, Inter are free to have a single-minded charge at the title. As Leicester and Chelsea proved in the Premier League in recent seasons, that could be a crucial advantage at a critical time – especially if the January window is used to their advantage.

Inter have been difficult to beat this season. Entering December, they were one of only four teams to remain unbeaten in domestic leagues in Europe alongside Manchester City, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid – not bad company to have. With their form having suffered a dip in recent weeks, rediscovering their mojo going into the new year will be very important.

Ivan Perisic and Mauro Icardi

Ivan Perisic and Mauro Icardi have led Inter from the front

Serie A top scorer Mauro Icardi has found a way back into the hearts of the Nerazzurri fans with his goals. A move away from Inter seemed inevitable only 2 years ago when controversial comments in his autobiography caused a massive backlash from the fans – yet now Icardi is captaining the team by example, leading the charge to the top of the table himself.

Ivan Perisic’s flirtation with Manchester United did not go unnoticed by the public either. Yet, his recent hattrick against Chievo underlined his individual brilliance and importance to the team. With 6 assists, only Antonio Candreva (8) with his crosses has made more goals for Inter – and the Croatian is second only to Icardi in the goals scored tally as well.

They may or may not win the title – but Spalletti looks a promising bet to lead the Nerazzurri back to the glory days of their recent past.