There is no secret about what Inter think they should be achieving this season. Having won the 2020/21 title and finished runners-up to AC Milan on the final day in 2021/22, they are aiming to win the title this season.
If they are to do so, they will need to have a much more successful time in 2023 than they have in these opening 15 Serie A matches. The Nerazzurri have been inconsistent domestically, but were impressive in the Champions League group and booked a place in the Round of 16.
Inter have lost five of their Serie A games already this season which is a serious concern for Simone Inzaghi and it leaves them 11 points adrift of league leaders Napoli.
Player of the season so far
A number of Inter stars have been very disappointing so far this season, with incostency plagueing the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella and Denzel Dumfries. That has left the door open for a more unexpected player of the season so far; Federico Dimarco.
The Italian wingback has successfully kept Robin Gosens out of the team, to the extent that the German has not been called up by Germany for the World Cup and may leave Inter in January. Dimarco excellent crossing and desire to get forward has turned into a steady flow of goals for the Nerazzurri. He has three Serie A goals, one assist, and then a further two assists in the Champions League.
What has gone well
Inter fans are not feeling positive about the season so far but nonetheless, they are the second-highest scorers in Serie A at this stage, behind only Napoli. They are still able to find the back of the net against anyone, and that is without having seen any impact from the perpetually injured Romelu Lukaku.
When the Belgian comes back (ideally fit) from the World Cup, the Nerazzurri could have enough firepower to get them over the line in more games than has been the case so far.
Cause for concern
As was the case last season, Inter are being hamstrung by their form against the big sides around them in the table. The Nerazzurri have been beaten by Lazio, AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus this season. The only other top side they have beaten is Atalanta.
The first game back after the World Cup for Inter as at home against Napoli. That feels like a must-win already when it comes to any title aspirations, and there is the added pressure of the awful record against the top sides.
Prediction
Inter have been without Marcelo Brozovic for much of the season and Romelu Lukaku for almost all of it. They should be a better side when play resumes, but they have left themselves too much to do when it comes to winning the title. A fourth-placed finish could be Inter’s best hope.
