Inter's Team of the Decade: 2010-2019
Inter started this decade off with a bang, winning the quadruple under José Mourinho.
However, since then it has gone downhill for I Nerazzurri as they have only added one Coppa Italia to their trophy cabinet - and even that was in the season immediately after. A decade of managerial instability has ensued, with them only recently posing a real threat to a dominant Juventus.
They have struggled in recent years to get anywhere close to that 2009/10 Champions League winning team, which will live long in the memories of Inter's faithful.
With all things taken into account, here is Inter's team of the decade...
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Samir Handanović (GK) -The Slovenian has been the one constant for Inter throughout the decade since joining in 2012 from Udinese. Often considered in the top bracket of goalkeepers around the world, Handanović has played over 300 times and is the current club captain.
Maicon (RB) - Renowned for his overlapping runs down the right flank and a wonderful right foot, Maicon became one of the best full backs in world football during his six years at San Siro. He was, of course, part of that 2010 team that won it all.
Walter Samuel (CB) - Described by Javier Zanetti as the the 'hardest player' he's played with, Samuel was an absolute defensive rock at the back. His time in Milan spanned almost ten years as he played 236 games before moving to Basel.
Lúcio (CB) - The Brazilian formed one of the most formidable partnerships with Samuel, as they helped Inter win the quadruple in his first season. He was such a huge part of the Inter backbone and has been irreplaceable since he left in 2012.
Javier Zanetti (LB) - Zanetti could have been put anywhere in this team, and that speaks volumes of what a legend this man is. He was in the twilight of his career at the beginning of this decade, but there is no way Inter's all time appearance maker could be left out of the side. He now sits as vice-president of the club after 20 years of playing.
Midfielders
Esteban Cambiasso (CM) - The Argentinian spent ten highly successful years at San Siro, winning five Serie A titles and a Champions League – granted, mostly not this decade. Often the lynchpin at the base of midfield, Cambiasso was a classy act playing 420 games in all competitions for Inter.
Dejan Stanković (CM) - Often the forgotten man in a team that had a plethora of big names and huge footballing stars, Stanković was the archetypal box-to-box midfielder who could play almost anywhere across the pitch. Had an absolute rocket of a right foot, scoring some absolute stunners during his playing days.
Wesley Sneijder (CAM) - Prime Wesley Sneijder was a sight to behold. He was magical on the pitch and Inter will be indebted to him for his creative spark that led to them that famous season (there's a bit of theme in this team). He was the top assist provider in the 2009/10 Champions League and was voted Fans' Man of the Match for the final. What a player. Should've won a Ballon d'Or.
Forwards
Mauro Icardi (ST) - One of the most controversial players in recent Inter history, Icardi is the only outfield player in this team who is still on the books at San Siro - albeit on loan at PSG. Besides his antics off the pitch, Icardi is a world class goalscorer, having scored 111 times in 189 Serie A games for Inter.
Diego Milito (ST) - The man who won the Champions League final for Inter in 2010 with his brace against Bayern Munich. The Argentine was the epitome of a poacher - but was not quite as prolific as he could have been, with his career being somewhat hampered by injury. However, he has left a long lasting memory in the hearts of the Inter faithful.
Samuel Eto'o (ST) - One of the best strikers of his generation, Eto'o sneaks into this team having only played a couple of seasons for Inter. Those seasons were the club's most successful of the decade, with the Cameroonian's 53 goals in all competitions helping bring the Serie A title, a Champions League and back-to-back Coppa Italia to San Siro.