Inter 2020/21 Season Preview: Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Man & Prediction

And breathe, Interisti.

The 2019/20 campaign was one hell of a ride, eh?

Spearheaded by an elite coach in Antonio Conte, Inter went toe-to-toe with calcio monopolisers Juventus up until the suspension in March before their distinct flaws saw them come up short in their biggest domestic clashes of the season.

A bright end saw them finish a mere point off a vulnerable Bianconeri outfit in the race for the Scudetto and despite impressing throughout the epilogue to the Europa League in Germany, Sevilla's savviness ensured the Italians would end the season with no silverware to show for an enthralling campaign.

Nevertheless, with Conte remaining at the helm and the club moving efficiently - sort of - in the transfer market to bolster areas of need, the Nerazzurri will be quietly confident of securing their first Scudetto in a decade in 2021.

Expectations are certainly high for a trophy-laden second season for 'The Godfather'.

Strengths

Stout Backline & Off the Ball Intensity

Despite the indifferent form of previous star defender Milan Skriniar due to Conte's alternate demands, Inter were still able to end the campaign with the best defensive record in Serie A - conceding, on average, less than a goal a game.

Much of this was down to the work of the division's finest centre-back last term in Stefan de Vrij, who was ably supported by the supremely talented Alessandro Bastoni on the left of Inter's back three.

The efficiency in which they revert into their settled 5-3-2 defensive shape is so impressive, while Marcelo Brozovic is the key cog in preventing opponents from wreaking havoc on the counter. The Croatian is also instrumental in ensuring Conte's high press is carried out with the utmost intensity and astuteness.

First Phase Efficiency

The first phase is simply the first third of the pitch - building out from the back essentially - and Inter are undoubtedly one of the best teams in Europe in this regard.

Their ability to create overloads and superiorities in order to progress upfield is so unique but incredibly effective, with their typical back four (Samir Handanovic included) all mightily composed in possession.

They trust one another in the smallest spaces against the most intense of opponents, and errors are a rarity.

Positional Play

Conte's automatisms are nothing short of dreamy.

After Inter's pre-determined patterns started to become just a wee bit predictable after the winter break, the Italian boss ensured he maintained a freshness to their attacking sequences by persistently updating the Nerazzurri's positional play.

New rotations emerged, with players carrying out different functions, but the Inter squad were able to execute Conte's complex demands with ease - leading to plenty of examples of spellbinding combination and transitional play. They simply overwhelm opponents at times.

Weaknesses

Fragility

Four draws in December and January saw Inter's thrilling title charge stall. Eight points dropped, all from winning positions.

This was an Inter side that often looked like they ran out of steam as a result of Conte's fierce out of possession demands. If the game wasn't put to bed in the opening 45 minutes they were prone to dropping points late on in contests.

The Nerazzurri then succumbed to a Lazio comeback before the unprecedented suspension which set them further back in the Scudetto race, before a 2-1 defeat at home to Bologna after holding a 1-0 advantage all but ended their title challenge.

There were examples where Conte's grinta radiated onto the players - the memorable Derby della Madonnina triumph, for example - but certainly not enough for the Italian boss' liking.

Depth on the Flanks

The addition of Real Madrid's Achraf Hakimi is huge, but as it stands, depth out wide remains an issue.

The flawed Antonio Candreva and Danilo D'Ambrosio are currently Hakimi's cover options, while left wing-back is an area which hasn't been bolstered via the market thus far.

Dalbert and potentially Cristian Biraghi will provide competition for Ashley Young, but these are all pretty underwhelming options - even if Young did enjoy a fine start to life in Italy.

The Nerazzurri would be wise to invest in this area before the window's up, while an injury to Hakimi - God forbid - could see their Scudetto charge falter significantly.

Star Man

Romelu Lukaku enjoyed a campaign for the ages last time around, and his form will be pivotal in Inter's Scudetto charge in 20/21.

The Belgian serves as the fulcrum to Conte's side, with his immense hold-up play and clever movement ensuring Inter always have a reliable vertical option in order to progress. The majority of their play goes through Lukaku, and his 34 goals last time out shows he's normally the man to round things off as well.

I'm sure he'll be hoping for a more reliable contribution from strike partner Lautaro Martinez, whom he shared a superb relationship with during his debut campaign.

Prediction

After almost a decade of Bianconeri supremacy, this is where it finally ends, people.

With Conte at the helm, the Nerazzurri couldn't have a superior string-puller to bring about domestic success.

Blessed with a stout defence, added dynamism down the flanks, a tremendously balanced midfield and a potent front two, this Inter side are very close to being a complete outfit and they should have enough to pip an unpredictable Juve side to the Scudetto next season.

Prediction: Scudetto winners