Bayern Munich Reportedly Accept Loan Offer from Inter Milan for Arturo Vidal
Jul 31, 2018
MILAN, ITALY - MAY 21: Arturo Vidal looks during Andrea Pirlo Farewell Match at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 21, 2018 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich have reportedly accepted an offer from Inter Milan for Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal.
According to SportMediaset (h/t Kaustubh Pandey of Calciomercato), the German champions are happy to let Vidal leave on loan this summer, although Inter will have an option to sign the 31-year-old for around €20 million (£18 million).
It's added that while Vidal has just one year remaining on his Bayern contract, he will sign an extension with the German giants before he joins Inter, thus eliminating the potential he will leave the club for free next summer.
A loan move would reportedly enable Inter to ensure they fall in line with Financial Fair Play regulations, while Vidal's annual salary is said to be around €4.5 million (£4 million) for the season.
Vidal has been with Bayern for the last three seasons, winning three Bundesliga titles and twice being part of sides to make the Champions League semi-finals. The Chilean has spent much of his career as a tenacious ball-winner in midfield and has had successful stints with Bayern, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.
As these figures illustrate below, it will be encouraging for Inter supporters that Vidal has previously shone in Serie A:
35 & 410 - Arturo #Vidal scored 35 goals and won 410 tackles between the 2011-12 and 2014-15 Serie A campaigns, the most of any midfielder during this period. Warrior. pic.twitter.com/J3YEOtGQom
If Vidal does leave Bayern for Inter, then he will return to Serie A a different player after signs of regression in the last couple of campaigns.
He was limited to just 21 and 17 starts in the last two Bundesliga seasons, respectively. Asuccession of issues prevented Vidal from stringing matches together and robbed him of some of the combativeness that had become his trademark.
The slower pace of Italian football may suit Vidal, though, and a potential linkup with Radja Nainggolan at the San Siro in central midfield is intriguing, as noted by Matteo Bonetti of beIN Sports:
At Bayern the Chile international's place in the squad will likely be taken by new signing Leon Goretzka, while Thiago Alcantara, Javi Martinez and Sebastian Rudy are all fine alternatives.
Vidal would continue a summer of exciting acquisitions for Inter, with Nainggolan, Lautaro Martinez, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stefan de Vrij also coming on board. The Nerazzurri are back in the UEFA Champions League this season and appear well positioned for 2018-19.
Pirelli Boss Wants Inter Milan Owners to Sign Barcelona's Lionel Messi
Jul 24, 2018
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi attends a training session at the FC Barcelona 'Joan Gamper' sports center in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona, on June 6, 2018. (Photo by PAU BARRENA / AFP) (Photo credit should read PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty Images)
Marco Tronchetti Provera, the chief executive of Inter Milan sponsors Pirelli, wants to see the club make a move for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Tuttosport (h/t Jack Rathborn of the Daily Mirror), Provera said the Milan giants want to make a major summer acquisition, with their owners Suning perhaps able to make a statement in the window.
"I hope that Suning, once financial fair play will allow it, can make a huge signing," he said. "Messi? How can you say no to Messi?"
The links come in the same summer that Juventus pulled off a surprise coup in the transfer window, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Serie A from Real Madrid.
The quotes from Provera were enough to make the front page ofTuttosport, per journalist Arjun Pradeep:
🇮🇹 📰 | Front page of Tuttosport:
CR7 to Juve sparks up Pirelli's CEO, Tronchetti to make an attempt: "Ronaldo is good for Italian football. Messi [to] Inter? May be."
While Ronaldo's switch to Juventus came as a surprise to many, Messi leaving Barcelona for the San Siro would be an even bigger shock.
Unlike Ronaldo, Messi has spent his entire senior career with one club and has come to define one of the greatest eras in Blaugrana history. The 31-year-old is entwined with Barcelona's traditions and remains a crucial performer for the team.
In his time at Barcelona the Argentina international has won an incredible nine La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League four times. The 2017-18 campaign was arguably one of his best too, as Messi was the driving force behind Barcelona dominating La Liga once again; he scored 34 goals in the competition and created 12 more for team-mates.
This graphic sums up just how incredible he has been for the team down the years:
Inter would need to pay a remarkable sum of money to prise him away as a result, making this transfer seemingly almost impossible to pull off.
PerFootball Italia, Inter remain under investigation in line with UEFA's FFP regulations. As reported byBBC Sport, the new contract Messi signed in November contains a release clause of €700 million (£624 million).
While the Nerazzurri are back in the Champions League once again this season, they have a long way to go before they are challenging for major honours, especially given how strong Juventus have been in Serie A lately; the Bianconeri have won the last seven in a row.
Inter Milan Confirm Signing of Radja Nainggolan from Roma on 4-Year Contract
Jun 26, 2018
Roma's Radja Nainggolan kicks the ball during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Roma and Liverpool at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
This switch brings an end to a four-year spell with Roma for the 30-year-old, during which time he earned a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the Italian top flight.
Nainggolan arrived in the capital from Cagliari in 2014 and went on to make 204 appearances for the Giallorossi. It appears as though he departs the Stadio Olimpico with the best wishes of Roma supporters:
According toGoal, Inter have paid around €24 million (£21 million) for the midfielder. As noted by Simon Stone of BBC Sport, Roma have picked up two Inter players as part of the deal, too:
Radja Nainggolan has completed his move to @Inter_en. Davide Santon and Nicolo Zaniolo have gone the other way. Fee is 38m euros, 24m for Nainggolan, with the additional players worth 14m.
The midfield dynamo worked with Luciano Spalletti previously at Roma, a coach who is now in charge at Inter. You sense the manager will be delighted to have landed one of the most ferocious midfielders in the game.
At his best Nainggolan is a footballer who can do it all and for Roma he took on numerous different responsibilities.
Nainggolan has been a key man for Roma.
At times he was pushed forward in support of a centre-forward, whereas on other occasions he would require more discipline, sitting in front of a back four and breaking up play. But he's at his best in an orthodox midfield berth, where his blend of technical skill and physical ability really come to the fore.
These figures sum up what a profound impact Nainggolan can have on a football match:
Radja Nainggolan has created more chances (196) and won more tackles (214) for Roma than any other player in Serie A and the Champions League since 2015/16.
It'll be intriguing to see how he fares at Inter, who are preparing for life back in the UEFA Champions League again in the new season.
Spalletti has a number of options to partner Nainggolan with, including Matias Vecino, who has been starring for Uruguay at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Marcelo Brozovic and Roberto Gagliardini will also face increased competition for places.
Replacing him will be a challenge for Roma, as Nainggolan formed a formidable trio alongside Kevin Strootman and Daniele De Rossi. Manager Eusebio Di Francesco may place more responsibility on Lorenzo Pellegrini who, while a different type of player, impressed in his debut term.
Mauro Icardi's Wife Wanda Nara 'Confident' of Inter Milan Contract Renewal
Mar 20, 2018
MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 13: Wanda Nara and Mauro Icardi attend the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and AC Chievo Verona at San Siro Stadium on January 13, 2014 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Mauro Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, has said she's "confident" over her husband's contract negotiations with Inter Milan, suggesting the striker will prolong his stay with the Nerazzurri.
Real Madrid are the suitors most fervently linked with a move for Icardi, but Nara recently spoke to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport(h/t Goal'sHarry Sherlock) and suggested a renewal is on its way:
"I cannot foresee the future, but I can say that we like the project of the Zhang family. They want to grow and get Inter back among the great clubs.
"Mauro makes noise on the pitch, where he must make noise.
"We are all very relaxed about it. We are confident about the renewal and, when I meet the sports director at the stadium, we laugh and joke. I sometimes make the joke: every day that goes by, he is always worth more."
It seems no coincidence talks of a renewal have intensified after Icardi made a return to scoring form with four goals in the 5-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday, including his 100th Serie A goal, via Goal:
Congrats, Mauro Icardi!
The @Inter_en striker surpassed the 💯 goal mark in Serie A after scoring four times against his former club Sampdoria on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/4zmpmISltq
Icardi had endured an injury setback and gone more than two months without scoring prior to that performance.
The Argentinian's current contract includes a €100 million (£87 million) release clause, but Nara didn't disclose whether a new deal would see that or Icardi's earnings increase: "But there is serenity in the air, no tension. Will the salary increase? When you renew a contract, it is done to improve the current situation. But we have not yet thought about the conditions and the figures."
La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com) previously indicated Inter would offer their star striker new terms worth €7 million (£6.1 million) per year.
Silvia Recchimuzzi of Reuters (h/t MailOnline) reported in October 2016 that Icardi earns "close to £5 million" per year, which would indicate he's in line for a raise worth around 20 percent.
Icardi was eager to celebrate his 100th Serie A strike via his official Instagram page and illustrate his Inter allegiances:
More than three years remain on Icardi's current contract, which expires in 2021, but the danger is that a more tempting offer could arise unless the Nerazzurri improve his financial position.
Inter purchased Icardi from Sampdoria in 2013 and named the South American star as their captain, and he's repaid them with consistent class in front of goal, per OptaPaolo:
6 - Mauro Icardi has bagged his 6th hat-trick in Serie A - a league-high since his debut in 2012/13. Bomber. #SampdoriaInter
The 25-year-old now sits on 22 goals for the season and is three away from beating his career-best tally of strikes in a single season, suggesting he's reached a new level among the world's deadliest finishers.
Real might rank as one of the forward's fondest admirers, but a new contract signing would effectively end their interest for now, meaning Los Blancos may be forced to seek out new attacking targets.
Here's Why You Should Never Tell Mauro Icardi It's Your Birthday
Feb 28, 2018
BR Video
Mauro Icardi has developed a very messy tradition at Inter Milan.
Whenever it is somebody's birthday at the club, he is there ready to strike.
Only problem is Mauro also had a birthday himself recently, and plenty of victims were hungry for revenge.
Inter Milan Reportedly Keen on January Transfer for Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge
Jan 10, 2018
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and NK Maribor at Anfield on November 1, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport (h/t Calciomercato.com), Inter want to bring in a striker who can offer support to Mauro Icardi at the point of the attack, with current deputy Eder poised to leave the San Siro.
Sturridge, who has been out of favour at Anfield this season, is reported to be an option. As well as the Nerazzurri, Roma and AC Milan are also said to be interested in the striker.
According to Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, Liverpool are weighing up whether to let Sturridge or Danny Ings leave the club in the January transfer window:
Daniel Sturridge needs to get away from Liverpool and Danny Ings needs game time - but am told only one will be allowed to leave.
Both forwards would benefit from a switch, as they're each behind Roberto Firmino in the pecking order, while Dominic Solanke has also showcased flashes of talent when he's been called upon by manager Jurgen Klopp.
Sturridge has made just five Premier League starts in 2017-18, netting two goals in the process. However, he's a long way behind Firmino as things stand, with the Brazilian bringing intensity, intelligence and incision to the centre-forward berth.
Additionally, Firmino has started to add more goals and more assists to his game. As noted by Tifo Football, he's been crucial to Klopp's side:
Roberto Firmino has been directly involved in more goals for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp than any other player (38 goals, 25 assists).
As a result, it's difficult to see how Sturridge will force his way back into contention for a starting spot, and a move in January would appear to make sense.
The striker does still have a lot to offer. The former Chelsea man has developed his game in recent years, meaning he can drop into space in front of the defence, link play and create chances for his team-mates.
Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (R) shakes hands with Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (L) as Firmino is substituted during the UEFA Champions League Group E football match between Liverpool and Spartak Moscow at Anfield in Li
Additionally, the forward remains one of the most natural finishers in the Premier League when he's on the pitch, as he can shoot with both feet from inside the box and from distance.
Per Squawka Football, his overall record for the Reds has been excellent:
ON THIS TRANSFER DAY: In 2013, Liverpool signed Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for £12m.
Sturridge needs a new challenge at this point in his career, though, and would surely be intrigued by the possibility of a move to Italy.
Inter appeared set for a Serie A title challenge earlier in the campaign, but they have dropped off the pace in recent weeks, allowing Napoli and Juventus to pull clear. Manager Luciano Spalletti will hope a strong January transfer window can help them close the gap again.
Inter Milan's Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi reacts during the Italian Serie A football match Fiorentina vs Inter Milan on January 5, 2018 at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence. / AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZ
And one area they do need to address is the reliance on Icardi, who has netted 51 per cent of the team's top-flight goals this season.
Journalist Adam Digby suggested attacking reinforcements are required:
(3/5) Meanwhile, Inter's struggles since their first negative result (a draw with Juve) continue, their lack of depth in attack haunting them. Only having Eder to replace Icardi was never going to be enough
Sturridge would be a fine complement to Icardi if he were to move to Inter, either playing alongside the Argentina international or in a more withdrawn role.
However, if Liverpool decide to keep Sturridge around, there's little the 28-year-old can do to force his way out of Anfield. It means, barring an injury to Firmino or a major change of heart from Klopp, his chances of making the 2018 FIFA World Cup with England appear slim.
Is Milan Skriniar Ready for One of Europe's Elite Clubs?
Dec 23, 2017
MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 03: Milan Skriniar of FC Internazionale Milano greets the fans at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Chievo Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 3, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
Shrugging off more than a few seasons of mediocrity, there has been much to admire about Inter Milan so far in 2017/18. They have been top of the Serie A table, they boast the league's leading scorer in Mauro Icardi, and they have earned credible draws with title challengers Juventus and Napoli.
The fact that the Argentina striker has been so prolific is no surprise, thriving on the creativity provided by Ivan Perisic and Antonio Candreva, while Borja Valero and Marcelo Brozovic deliver even more chances from their roles in midfield.
Given that Luciano Spalletti is now in charge, the rising number of opportunities flowing towards Icardi is merely the universally admired coach continuing with the same swashbuckling approach he implemented with former clubs AS Roma and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg.
16 - Mauro #Icardi has scored 16 goals in the current Serie A season, the last player who scored so many goals after first 15 Serie A matchdays was Luca Toni in 2005/06 (Fiorentina). Gold. pic.twitter.com/fz4Qqc0Zce
But it is at the other end of the field where this version of the Nerazzurri has made an unexpected leap. Inter have conceded just 13 goals in the first 17 games of the campaign, goalkeeper Samir Handanovic keeping no fewer than eight clean sheets over that period, including shutouts in those aforementioned meetings with Juve and Napoli.
"I'm very surprised how organised and solid Inter are defensively," John Solano, editor of Roma Press, told Bleacher Report recently. "When Spalletti was at Roma, he left the team far too susceptible to the counter and left his defenders far too exposed. He really didn't have his players committing to proper off-the-ball movements, and they found themselves left in no man's land far too often.”
Yet what makes this shift even more remarkable is that Spalletti is working with almost the same squad that proved to be so leaky under Stefano Pioli, Frank de Boer and Roberto Mancini prior to his arrival.
Handanovic might well be Europe's most under-appreciated goalkeeper, but the weaknesses of full-backs have been exposed repeatedly in previous campaigns. But while that duo—along with Joao Miranda—have looked much improved, it is unquestionably one summer signing that has finally made things click for this previously porous back line.
BREAKING: Inter Milan have completed the transfer of Slovakian defender Milan Skriniar from Sampdoria 🇸🇰 pic.twitter.com/Fd4KSFpeuX
Milan Skriniar arrived from Sampdoria back in July, the Nerazzurri hierarchy clearly impressed with his efforts during 2016/17. That was his only year with the Genoa-based club, and in his 34 appearances there, the Slovakia international showcased the perfect attitude and approach needed to succeed in Serie A.
Many defenders have come to Italy with rigid ideas of how to play, their reluctance to move out of their comfort zone usually leading to rapid exits. Yet, from the outset, it was clear Skriniar possessed the intelligence, tactical flexibility and awareness needed to thrive on the peninsula.
He instantly looked comfortable with the increased pressure that comes with playing for a high-profile club like Inter, too, turning in an outstanding performance in his competitive debut against Fiorentina.
When you look at the inflated fees spent in the summer, Škriniar is an absolute snip at €23m. Credit to Inter, took a chance where others didn’t
According to WhoScored.com, that 3-0 victory over La Viola saw Skriniar record one tackle, one interception and a game-high 10 clearances, leading a scrappy but resolute side to an important opening day win.
As the campaign has progressed, so too has his play and that of the team around him. Arguably the most in-form central defender in a league loaded with high-quality players in that role, he has drawn praise from almost everyone who has watched his consistently excellent displays.
"Skriniar is a great player; he's doing well," his new partner Miranda told Sky Italia (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio's website. "It was easy for me to get used to playing with him, and he can become amongst the five best defenders in the world."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6N4eMvwNpI
The duo have been almost impenetrable, with Skriniar showing his ability in almost every facet of the game. He is strong in the air, with figures taken from Squawka.com showing he has won 55 percent of the aerial duels he has contested, despite standing just 1.87m (6'2")—not overly tall for his role.
Simultaneously, he has shown himself to be quick across the ground and diligent in his man-marking. According to WhoScored.com, Skriniar has recorded averages of 2.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 4.8 clearances per game, yet committed just 15 fouls in more than 1,500 minutes of action.
To time his challenges that well is hugely impressive and has seen him collect just one yellow card, a feat that looks even more incredible when noting he has already gone head-to-head with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Dries Mertens, Andrea Belotti and Edin Dzeko.
Milan Skriniar: Had a better pass success rate (91.4%) than any other player in Serie A last season pic.twitter.com/saWW3nYEmI
Only the latter of that quartet managed to score against Inter, but while Skriniar is unquestionably an elite stopper, he has also shown excellent ability on the ball. As the tweet above indicates, his passing was excellent last term, and the 22-year-old has carried that over into the new campaign.
He has connected with 91.4 percent of his 58.9 pass attempts per game, according to WhoScored, trailing only Valero and Matias Vecino among all Inter players, and that led to speculation last month that Skriniar could join one of Europe's elite sides.
"I am not interested in Barcelona," he told Mediaset Premium (h/t FourFourTwo) when asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Camp Nou. "I play for Inter, and my objective is to play for Inter. I want to get them to win."
Goals like the one shown below, scored in a recent 5-0 rout of Chievo, will help raise his profile, while Inter legend Beppe Bergomi—himself a superb defender during a stellar 20-year career with the club—recognised the immense potential of Skriniar almost instantly.
"I knew from the moment he arrived that he could offer some interesting characteristics and qualities," the former Nerazzurri skipper told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia). "Skriniar's playing style? He's a careful defender, he applies himself, he knows how to get the ball out of defence quickly and he also plays the ball forward."
That is a fair assessment, and one that has led to Manchester City reportedly joining a rapidly expanding list of suitors. City manager Pep Guardiola is, per Jordan Russell at Calciomercato.com, believed to be ready to spend €50 million to bring him to the Etihad Stadium, and it is not difficult to imagine him thriving in England.
Indeed, having watched Skriniar shine for Inter over the last few months, it is obvious that the Nerazzurri have signed an outstanding defender, one who would be worthy of a place in almost any team.
He has brought a calming and resolute influence to a defence that sorely lacked both before his arrival, while displaying a superb sense of where and how to position himself in order to avert danger. Those are qualities every side needs and ones that Milan Skriniar has in abundance.
From Zeros to Heroes: How Inter Milan Turned Themselves into Title Contenders
Dec 15, 2017
Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic, covered by his teammates, celebrates after scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Chievo Verona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Top of Serie A. Unbeaten. The best defensive record in the league. Boasting Serie A's leading goalscorer. The 2017/18 campaign has seen Inter Milan transform themselves from an incoherent side into Italy's most consistent team.
It has been a remarkable and dramatic shift after their seventh-placed finish last term, one that is even more eye-catching when recognising they have done it using mostly the same players they did a year ago.
Much of the credit must go to boss Luciano Spalletti, who arrived from AS Roma in June, an early appointment that allowed him to begin implementing his ideas long before their first competitive game. That, in itself, was a huge shift from the previous year, with Inter parting ways with Roberto Mancini two weeks before the season began.
Frank de Boer then arrived before he could speak Italian, and following some woeful results, his sacking in early November quickly became inevitable. His replacement, Stefano Pioli, got off to a great start, only to come crashing back to earth. Inter won just two of their last 10 league games, which saw him fired and left the club miserable after another mediocre campaign.
"I'm here to put this club back where it belongs, in line with its history," Spalletti told reporters at his inaugural press conference, going on to deliver his opinion on the talent he had at his disposal.
"We have some fantastic players in this squad, but they need to fit within a team. I want all my players to put themselves at the service of the collective."
In the early rounds of the campaign, he tried to find space for Joao Mario but soon realised the Portuguese midfielder—who arrived in August 2016 for a fee in excess of €40 million (£35 million)—was disrupting the balance of his side.
Since opting to play a three-man combination of Borja Valero, Matias Vecino, Roberto Gagliardini or Marcelo Brozovic instead, the Nerazzurri have looked much more solid. And that pragmatic approach has surprised the fans who have followed the coach's career closely.
If you asked Portugal fans 18 months ago who would be the key players at World Cup 2018 most would have put Bernardo Silva, João Mário, Renatos Sanches & André Silva near top of list. Right now they're all struggling at club level pic.twitter.com/d8ZGm6x5Cw
"I'm very surprised how organised and solid Inter are defensively," John Solano, editor of Roma Press, told Bleacher Report. "When Spalletti was at Roma, he left the team far too susceptible to the counter and left his defenders far too exposed. He really didn't have his players committing to proper off the ball movements, and they found themselves left in no man's land far too often."
That is simply not the case, with goalkeeper Samir Handanovic leading Serie A with eight clean sheets, including shutouts against Juventus, Fiorentina and Napoli. The latter clash finished 0-0, prompting an entertaining exchange between the two coaches.
Spalletti jokingly said opposite number Maurizio Sarri could be the "minister for the economy" given his background in banking, to which the Napoli boss responded by telling Mediaset Premium that Spalletti "must be the minister for the Defence" (h/tFootballItalia).
The Inter boss has exclusively used his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation this term, demanding the wingers cover their full-backs and that the midfield ahead of them remains compact. His first choice back line contains three players who were at Inter last season, but it is unquestionably a new face who appears to have made things click for a previously porous unit.
BREAKING: Inter Milan have completed the transfer of Slovakian defender Milan Skriniar from Sampdoria 🇸🇰 pic.twitter.com/Fd4KSFpeuX
Milan Skriniar's impact simply cannot be understated, with the 22-year-old impressing so quickly that he was linked to Barcelona as recently as November. He dismissed the speculation as if it were an opposition striker. "I am not interested in Barcelona," he told Mediaset Premium (h/t FourFourTwo). "I play for Inter, and my objective is to play for Inter. I want to get them to win."
His role in accomplishing just that has been nothing short of phenomenal, with Skriniar showing quality in almost every facet of play. Strong in the air, quick across the ground and diligent in his man-marking, he times his tackles well and has committed just 12 fouls in 16 appearances this term, according to WhoScored.com.
That has seen Skriniar collect just one yellow card, which is extremely impressive given he has already gone head-to-head with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Dries Mertens and Andrea Belotti.
"I knew from the moment he arrived that he could offer some interesting characteristics and qualities," Inter legend Beppe Bergomi told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia). "Skriniar's playing style? He's a careful defender, he applies himself, he knows how to get the ball out of defence quickly and he also plays the ball forward."
He certainly does, as the goal in the video above showcases. Those who watched Skriniar from his time at former club Sampdoria have seen him raise his game repeatedly over the past two years.
"I thought that he performed well at Sampdoria despite making the occasional mistake," Blucerchiati supporter Vito Doriatold Bleacher Report. "Regular playing time under Marco Giampaolo allowed him to settle into Italian football. Skriniar has made a quicker impact at Inter than I had initially anticipated. He is very composed and has shown more confidence on the ball since joining the Nerazzurri."
The league's most prolific strikers have found no way past the robust Slovakian, but even he might struggle to contain team-mate Mauro Icardi given the Argentinian's blistering form this season. The Inter captain has bagged 16 of his side's 33 league goals this term, with his haul making him Serie A's leading scorer.
That he has done so on limited chances is simply a continuation of his previous unerring ability to find the back of the net. He bagged 24 goals last term despite WhoScored.com showing that no fewer than 23 players took more shots. His form—as discussed in a previous post—has seen Icardi both linked with Real Madrid and recalled to the Argentina squad, with the 24-year-old undoubtedly set to be a star at next summer's FIFA World Cup.
Not a better finisher in Europe right now imo than Mauro Icardi. Absolutely lethal. World class, but underrated #FCIM
Yet more than anything, he has been the focal point of an Inter team that look like title contenders. The test is likely to come when they finally taste defeat. Early favourites Napoli have stumbled after Juventus put them to the sword at the Stadio San Paolo on Dec. 2, losing to Feyenoordand drawing 0-0 withFiorentina.
Inter and Spalletti both have a history of making excellent starts only to collapse when under pressure, so it will be intriguing to watch how they cope with a taxing run of upcoming fixtures.
Following matches against strugglers Udinese and Sassuolo, the Nerazzurri face neighbours AC Milan in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals and then league games with Lazio, Fiorentina and Roma before the end of January. If they emerge from that difficult period still undefeated, they will no longer be able to downplay the Scudetto talk or insist they are merely hoping to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
That is a huge "if." Yet given what they have already accomplished, a place in the top four must surely be the minimum requirement. Spalletti, Icardi and Skriniar have helped make Inter relevant once again, but going on to be crowned Serie A champions would represent the complete transformation.
It will not be easy. However, it is an increasingly distinct possibility.
Wanda Nara Talks Mauro Icardi to Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich Rumours
Nov 30, 2017
Inter Milan's Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Cagliari and Inter Milan on November 25, 2017 at the Sardegna stadium in Cagliari. / AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)
Mauro Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, has addressed speculation linking the Inter Milan striker with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and hinted he could leave if the right offer comes in.
"Mauro is an important player and these are top clubs who have been following him for some time. It's right that such an attacker, one of the most important in the world, has big clubs who care about him and consider him for what he is worth.
"He has a contract and he thinks about winning with Inter. He is happy about how things are going and he is aiming for the best. But the future does not know anyone, and there are offers that cannot be refused."
Icardi has been on top form once again this season, having netted 15 times in 14 Serie A matches to fire Inter Milan to second in Serie A, two points behind leaders Napoli.
ESPN FC's James Horncastle hailed the Argentinian's contributions after he grabbed a brace against Cagliari on Saturday:
6th multiple of the season for Icardi. Hat-trick in the Milan derby and 5 braces. 3-1 Inter
The Nerazzurri captain is potent in the penalty area, both on the ground and in the air, and his ability to ruthlessly finish chances is almost unrivalled.
This season, he has amassed 15 goals from a total of just 48 shots—74 per cent of which were on target—giving him a shot-conversion rate of 31.25 per cent, per Squawka.
For comparison, that conversion rate is better than those of the top scorers in Europe's other top five leagues—Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah and Lionel Messi—save for Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, whose record of 17 goals from 54 shots is only marginally better. But Icardi is the most accurate shooter.
Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi believes Icardi has not always been given the recognition he deserves:
All these prem-faces turning up like 'wow Icardi is the best what an amazing form he is in' have been sleeping for the past few years
That is perhaps because Inter have not been in the UEFA Champions League since 2011-12, so Icardi has not had the chance to shine on club football's biggest stage.
Europe's elite seem to have taken a keen interest in the 24-year-old this season, though.
A move could help him take his career to the next level, and based on Nara's comments, it seems he might be open to leaving the San Siro.
Mauro Icardi Reportedly Set for New Inter Contract Amid Real Madrid Rumours
Nov 23, 2017
MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 19: Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates his second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 19, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
Inter Milan are reportedly preparing a new contract for Mauro Icardi amid links with Real Madrid and Europe's other elite clubs.
According to Calciomercato.com's Fabrizio Romano, Inter are calm amid Real, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich's interest inIcardi but are nevertheless considering a new deal for him.
Should Inter qualify for the UEFA Champions League, they would be able to offer the Argentinian an improved salary and would also insert a bigger release clause into his contract, which stands at €110 million (£98 million).
Icardi is only 24, but he already boasts a phenomenal record for the Nerazzurri, per BT Sport Football:
Such a comparison is apt—there are few strikers more predatory in the penalty area than Icardi, who would likely have scored even more goals for Inter had his team-mates been able to provide him with better service in recent years.
Things are looking up for the Serie A giants, though. Their highest league finish in the past six years was fourth. But this year, they are sat in second, two points behind league leaders Napoli.
Slovakia international Vladimir Weiss hailed Icardi after he bagged two goals against Atalanta on Sunday:
Icardi’s unreal. His movement off the ball is a joke. Very underrated player.
Inter's form will no doubt encourage Icardi to stay at the club, particularly if they can maintain it until the end of the season and qualify for the Champions League or perhaps even win silverware. A new deal could put the Nerazzurri in a stronger position should one of Europe's elite come calling.
However, keeping him will prove difficult if that happens, new contract or not.
