90min

The Inter Team That Should Lineup Against Fiorentina

By Michael Lee

Internazionale will be aiming for the title this season
Internazionale will be aiming for the title this season / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
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Internazionale start their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina this Saturday, hoping to go one better than last season's runners-up spot.

Under the management of Antonio Conte, Inter were in the title race for much of last season before a run of inconsistent form scuppered their attempt at winning the Scudetto. Alongside this, Inter reached last season's Europa League final only to go down 3-2 to Sevilla.

New signing Hakimi salutes Romelu Lukaku
New signing Hakimi salutes Romelu Lukaku / Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Conte will be aiming to start this season as they mean to go on. However, their opponents Fiorentina are a handy side with attackers that can hurt any team in the division. Inter should be guard against complacency.

This is the team we think they should field on Saturday:

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ashley Young has surprised some with his performances at Inter
Ashley Young has surprised some with his performances at Inter / Lars Baron/Getty Images

Samir Handanovic (GK) - The Slovenian goalkeeper was responsible for Inter having the best defensive record in Serie A last season. A solid base for Conte to build on.

Achraf Hakimi (RWB) - Having signed for a whopping £36.5m from Real Madrid, expectations surrounding the young Moroccan are high. Impressed on loan at Borussia Dortmund and the dynamic wing back should settle in well in Italy.

Alexsander Kolarov (CB) - Joined on a free transfer from Roma this summer and will be hoping to make his Inter debut on Saturday. Still a menace from free-kicks.

Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - Only 21 years old, Bastoni recently received his first call up to the Italian national team this month.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - The Slovakian centre back made 32 league appearances for Inter last season, demonstrating his importance to the team. Will need to manage Chiesa on Saturday.

Ashley Young (LWB) - The former Manchester United man has enjoyed something of a renaissance in Italy, a development that even extended to his hairline. Much better player than social media would believe.

2. Midfielders

Despite heartbreak last season, Brozovic is the player that makes Inter tick
Despite heartbreak last season, Brozovic is the player that makes Inter tick / Pool/Getty Images

Stefano Sensi (CM) - Impressed sufficiently on loan last season to join the club permanently over the summer. The 25-year-old is noted for his vision, technique and eye for goal.

Marcelo Brozovic (CM) - The Croatian international is a versatile player that can be utilised anywhere across the midfield. The kind of player that every championship-contending team needs in their lineup.

Nicolo Barella (CM) - Capped 14 times by Italy, Barella has been criticised by some for his outspokenness on the pitch. However, this cannot overshadow the immense quality the midfielder possesses.

3. Attackers

Both Martinez and Lukaku have impressed in Milan
Both Martinez and Lukaku have impressed in Milan / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Lautaro Martinez (ST) - The Argentine forward has been subject of reported interest from Barcelona this summer - and it's not hard to see why. Martinez scored 21 goals last season, including seven in the Europa League. Potential match winner.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Despite scoring an own goal in the Europa League final, Lukaku had a successful first season in Italy. Having slimmed down, the Belgian scored 34 goals in all competitions equalling Ronaldo's record from the 1997-98 season.