Inter Milan Faces Fresh Challenges as Serie A Title Defense Kicks Off

Inter Milan starts their Serie A title defense without key players Stefan de Vrij and Piotr Zielinski. Manager Simone Inzaghi is optimistic about the season despite current setbacks and aims to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. Lautaro Martinez is set to play despite a brief holiday.

Inter Milan will begin their Serie A title defense without key players Stefan de Vrij and Piotr Zielinski as they kick off the season at Genoa on Saturday, manager Simone Inzaghi confirmed.

Inter ended last season 19 points ahead of second-placed AC Milan and have mostly retained their squad, with Zielinski being a high-profile new addition.

“Everyone is available except Zielinski, who will rest for a few more days, and De Vrij,” Inzaghi told reporters on Friday. He added that Polish midfielder Zielinski would be ready for the next match against Lecce.

Inzaghi said last season’s Serie A top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, would play despite a short holiday after helping Argentina win the Copa America. “It’s up to me whether he starts or comes on, but he is motivated, as always,” Inzaghi said.

The 48-year-old manager noted he was happy with the squad but aimed to make one more addition before the transfer window closes, as defender Tajon Buchanan is unavailable for the foreseeable future.

“We know that the market will evolve until the end of the month. Right now, we feel covered,” Inzaghi stated. “We have a convincing attack and are trying to identify a valuable left-wing back.”

Inzaghi declined to make predictions about the new season. “I see a more level league. All the top sides have brought in reinforcements, and even middle-of-the-table sides have been very organized with good additions and coaches.”