There was a time when Inter Milan dreamt of Champions League glory and aimed for the absolute pinnacle of football. Now, everything seems different, surprisingly soon after the match against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich. The saga surrounding the search for a new head coach is incredible and, in many respects, highly questionable due to its less-than-ideal management, to say the least. Could the Nerazzurri leadership truly have been caught so off guard? Is it possible that Simone Inzaghi genuinely decided his future only after the heavy defeat last Saturday against PSG? We cannot answer these questions with absolute certainty, but the prevailing feeling is that the coach had made his decision some time ago, and Inter simply failed to be prepared, contrary to recent statements from those involved.
Como`s Rejection and the Chivu Option.
The first element that doesn`t add up is the timing of Massimiliano Allegri`s signing with Milan. While due credit must be given to Igli Tare, who, upon becoming Milan`s sporting director, secured a major coup by signing one of the most sought-after coaches available, another question automatically springs to mind: Why didn`t Inter pursue the former Juventus coach? The Nerazzurri could have asked Allegri to wait and then offered him the role, but this didn`t happen, resulting in his signing with Milan. Consequently, the Champions League finalists have been compelled to lower their aspirations, turning their attention to coaches with significantly different profiles than the Livorno-born manager. This strongly suggests a potential scaling back at the Nerazzurri club, with all due respect to candidates like Fàbregas, Vieira, and Chivu. But there`s more. Not only has Inter lowered their sights, but they also received two blunt rejections. The first came from Como and the Spanish coach (which we`ll discuss shortly), and the second from the current Genoa coach [Alberto Gilardino], who chose to remain at the helm of the Grifone. Now, it is highly probable that Cristian Chivu will begin his third spell at Inter, following his time as a player and youth coach, but his task will be exceedingly difficult, a test that could either pave the way for a great career or burn him out. Only the pitch will provide the answer.
Don`t Underestimate Como.
Returning to Cesc Fàbregas`s refusal, Como`s firm and resolute stance in holding their ground represents an unmistakable signal to everyone: Don`t underestimate Como. The Larian club, set to start its second consecutive Serie A season in July, has already established itself as a major force. Indeed, only big clubs are capable of repelling `attacks` like the one Inter attempted to secure the Spanish coach. Suwarso and his team never had any doubts on the matter, having built a project that is both strong and credible. Therefore, Serie A must begin to seriously consider the Larians. Perhaps not immediately, as more time is needed, but within a few years, Como will be a contender at the top of the standings. The signal has been sent, and Inter, along with others, must heed it to avoid being caught unprepared.
