Key Players Behind Inter Milan’s 19th Serie A triumph

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Inter Milan gained their first Serie A title since 2010 and 19th within the membership’s historical past on Sunday.

We take a look at the important thing gamers within the Italian giants’ first silverware for the reason that 2011 Coppa Italia.

ROMELU LUKAKU/LAUTARO MARTINEZ

Antonio Conte’s “light big” Lukaku has powered Inter’s front line since his 80 million euro ($89 million) signing from Manchester United just after the coach’s arrival two years ago.

Lukaku, 27, and 23-year-old Lautaro Martinez have formed one of the most formidable attacking duos in Europe, the Belgian scoring 21 league goals so far and the Argentine 15.

“A lot of people turned their nose up when we signed Lukaku and said he was overrated,” mentioned coach Conte. “But I all the time mentioned that he arrived with potential and if he labored laborious he might do extraordinary issues.

“Lautaro’s bettering massively in each facet. (Alexis) Sanchez can be an essential participant for us, however he has Lukaku and Lautaro forward of him and that is giving me choice complications.”

NICOLO BARELLA

Italy international Barella has also broken through in his second campaign with Inter after five seasons at his hometown club Cagliari.

The 24-year-old midfielder’s partnership with right-back Achraf Hakimi has been productive for Inter with his performances propelling him to an increasingly important role in Roberto Mancini’s Italy team.

“I’m feeling much more confident in my abilities,” mentioned Barella.

“Training with nice gamers has helped me. I’ve studied them and improved by taking inspiration from them.”

ACHRAF HAKIMI

Moroccan defender Hakimi took some time to warm up after arriving last summer from Real Madrid for 40 million euros ($48 million) after two seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old’s pace has proved devastating down the right flank with seven goals in his first season in Serie A, cementing his place as Conte’s first choice right-back.

MATTEO DARMIAN

Conte dubbed versatile ex-Manchester United defender Darmian as being ‘worth 15 points’ after his goals against Cagliari and Hellas Verona snatched vital wins in the title run-in.

“Matteo has carved out an important spot here at Inter,” mentioned Conte of the participant able to enjoying most positions within the again 4.

“There wasn’t any massive fanfare when he arrived, however he performed for an additional massive membership in Manchester United. He’s an distinctive lad, you’ll be able to all the time depend on him.”

Back-line trio Milan Skriniar, Stefan De Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni also provided the tightest defence in the league with captain Samir Handanovic generally solid in goal.

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

The Dane’s return to form after a difficult start to life in Italy was one of the keys to Inter’s success in the second half of the season.

The former Tottenham and Ajax midfielder had needed time to adapt to the very tactical Italian league after his arrival in early 2020.

“Conte and I needed to understand each other better,” mentioned Eriksen, 29, who scored a decisive free kick within the Italian Cup towards AC Milan, the late equaliser at Napoli, and the primary aim within the 2-0 win at Crotone on Saturday which put Inter getting ready to the title.

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