It is hard to believe that just over a year ago Inter Milan stormed their way to European success in Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu after defeating Bayern Munich. Back then the Nerazzurri were led by the ‘Special One’, Jose Mourinho, now of Real Madrid. Those halcyon days of European success coupled with domestic domination seem a long time ago now for Massimo Moratti’s beloved Inter.
Since Mourinho departed Inter have struggled to reassert themselves in a new mold. This is largely thanks to the horror performance of Rafa Benitez, the man who took over after Mourinho was lured to the Spanish capital. His successor, Leonardo, did a much better job despite suspicions about his capacity as a coach. However, the Brazilian’s small success, if one labels his time at the club in such a way, was completely undone last week when he shockingly announced his resignation. This was one summer move that no one guessed.
Inter are now in disarray. The lack of world class options to take over from Leonardo are few. This past week the club suffered the humiliation of Marcelo Bielsa’s rejection to head to the north of Italy, instead favoring a move to Athletic Bilbao. In addition, there are continuing rumors that many of the team’s top players, in particular Wesley Scneijder and Samuel Eto'o, could follow the Brazilian out the same door. Now doubt, the chaos that Leonardo has left the club will not help in keeping their star players at the San Siro.
The Nerazzurri’s predicament signals the end of the post Calciopoli era and a possible permanent shift in the balance of power.
Last term Milan re-established themselves with their Scudetto triumph. Though Inter’s demise under Benitez in the first half of the season greatly aided their success, the Rossoneri’s Serie A success is perhaps a sign of things to come.
Milan are in a great position to build on their success of last season as the club is expected to keep hold of all their key men while adding a few extras this summer. Juventus are poised to make yet another attempt to reclaim former glories by adding to their squad, though the Old Lady has lost much of her appeal of yesteryear.
In addition to Milan, most significantly, Roma are greatly threatening to become a force on the peninsula. The club was recently taken over by American business tycoon Thomas Di Benedetto and a big summer transfer campaign is expected. Luis Enrique has been brought in from Barcelona B as the Giallorossi aim to become something akin to the Italian version of the real Barcelona.
In the post Calciopoli era, Inter cruised to four consecutive Scudetti, five if one includes the one taken from Juventus and given to Inter. Three Coppa Italia triumphs were also secured while, as mentioned, the club became European champions last year.
But, Inter’s fortunes have greatly faded since their treble success and it seems a tough road back to the top. Currently without a coach and with few quality options available, the horizon is not a great one for the blue half of Milan.
The post Calciopoli era was characterized by the almost complete lack of competition to contest Inter for Italy’s major honors. The Nerazzurri were by far and away the strongest side. But, this is no longer the case. The Nerazzurri will remain a strong contender in Italy and maybe even in Europe next term. Yet, the club will have to fight hard to prove so and this is something that was not required of them for much of their post Calciopoli successes. The post-Calciopoli era has come to an end.
You can read more from Frank Tigani on the pages of
SerieAWeekly.com and
World Football Daily
