There was much cause for optimism in the blue half of Milan following a hot start to the campaign, however, the side’s form and results fizzled out.
10 new arrivals during the summer transfer window signaled Roberto Mancini’s and Inter Milan’s intent heading into the 2015-16 Serie A campaign. An eighth place finish in the league last time out was hoped to be significantly improved upon this time around, with a place in the top three heading the Milanese club’s agenda going into the new season.
Key departures hit the squad as well, though, with Mateo Kovacic heading to Real Madrid and leaving the Nerazzurri without a creative outlet in midfield. Mancini, however, opted to not sign a replacement for the outgoing Croatian, instead looking to build a squad comprised of brute strength and physicality rather than skill and flair – or even a mixture of both.
The Story
The campaign began on an extremely positive note for Inter Milan. The San Siro side emerged victorious from each of their opening five games of the season, winning four of those 1-0. Despite the lack of output in front of goals in these matches, it was Mancini’s stringent and resolute defensive unit that was gaining plaudits far and wide. Many even prematurely tipped them as Scudetto contenders.
A 4-1 home loss at the hands of Paulo Sousa’s Fiorentina in round six marred what had been a great start to the season by Inter, though, and they never seemed to fully recover their confidence following that game despite a run of six wins in seven leading up to Christmas.
Inter’s uninspiring displays in the second-half of the season – as well as rumours circling the media following a 2-1 home defeat to Lazio before Christmas – suggested Mancini had lost the dressing room, and the side’s insipid style of play and lack of identity left much to be desired. Improved performances in midfield later on did not always match results, with Internazionale becoming frustratingly inconsistent toward the season’s end.
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Key Player – Samir Handanovic
In what was yet another stellar season from the Slovenian, Inter’s No.1 was a key component to his side’s impressive defensive unit that ended the campaign as third best in the league, having conceded just 38 times.
The 31-year-old put in multiple match-winning performances, where his exemplary agility, reflexes and ability to command his own area were showcased. 15 clean sheets were kept in 36 Serie A appearances for Handanovic – impressive for a side that finished the campaign in fourth.
The shot-stopper was one of only a few players who retained Mancini’s trust throughout the entirety of the season, starting nearly all of his side’s matches as previously stated, and Inter have a battle to ensure the towering custodian remains at the San Siro in 2016-17.
Manager
The 51-year-old made many wrong moves in the transfer market and several hindering tactical decisions during the campaign to match.
Firstly, requesting to bring a player of Felipe Melo’s ilk and allowing Kovacic and Xherdan Shaqiri to be sold displayed the Italian’s odd outlook on the game, yet it was the tactical approach he implemented on his side that left many Interisti confused and bewildered. The side’s stale and dour style of play did not win many over, and despite many narrow victories – some of which Handanovic was required to save the day – Inter were eventually exposed and dealt with in the simplest of manners.
Mancini’s stubbornness and constant changing of personnel in his lineup also did not do his side many favours, and his public criticisms of his own players did more harm than good. It does not appear the former Manchester City boss is a good fit for Inter and their goals in 2016-17, however, he is likely to remain on board.
Offseason Recruitment
Sevilla midfielder Éver Banega has been linked in a move to the San Siro, which would be one that ticks many boxes for the Nerazzurri due to their lack of creative influence in the middle of the park.
Yaya Touré is another who has been mentioned as a potential arrival. At 33 years of age, however, and looking to be well past his prime, it would appear to be another awful decision made by Mancini if he was to arrive.
On-loan players Alex Telles and Adem Ljajic should be signed on a permanent basis immediately, though the 51-year-old does not seem eager to do so.
Grade – D
For a season that began so brightly and ended in such underwhelming fashion, Inter Milan still finished just one spot outside of their desired target and secured automatic qualification to the Europa League with 67 points. Fourth also arguably reflects the quality of Inter’s squad in comparison to the rest of the league. It has been their best finish and points tally since the 2010-11 campaign.
In saying this, the manner in which they limped over the line was discouraging, and Fiorentina’s horrid form in the final three months handed Inter fourth spot. The side’s style of play for much of the season was a cause for annoyance among many supporters, and much more could have been achieved if Mancini utilised his squad to its ultimate potential and gotten the best out of his players in more than just a handful of games.
Inter’s inconsistency and lack of fight when going behind proved to be their downfall in the end, though at least the foundations have been built for a better season next time around, some would hope.
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