Navigating Inter`s Squad for Your Fantasy League
Simone Inzaghi has left a formidable legacy for Cristian Chivu at Inter Milan, including a Scudetto, two Coppa Italia titles, three Italian Supercups, and two Champions League finals in the last three years. Chivu, who led the Nerazzurri to the Club World Cup round of 16, now faces the challenge of competing for the top spots in Serie A. To support this ambitious goal, the club has provided a significant transfer budget, bringing in impactful signings not seen in years.
Notable additions include Ange-Yoan Bonny from Parma, Luis Henrique from Marseille, and Croatian talent Petar Sucic. The transfer market may yet hold more surprises, with Lookman reportedly eyeing a move to Inter after his fallout with Atalanta. Regardless of further developments, Chivu already boasts a strong attack, bolstered by Pio Esposito, who joins after two impressive seasons with Spezia in Serie B and is set to be a key asset in Serie A. To navigate your fantasy football choices, here’s a guide to Inter’s probable starters, penalty takers, and potential breakout stars.
Inter: Key Fantasy Football Picks
In goal, Yann Sommer (estimated 40 credits) deserves to be reconfirmed; his saves can be crucial for modifier bonuses, having achieved an average rating of 6.28 last season. Full confidence is also placed in Chivu`s two starting wing-backs: Denzel Dumfries (estimated 38 credits) and Federico Dimarco (estimated 37 credits). Dumfries contributed 7 goals and 2 assists in the last Serie A season, while Dimarco registered 4 goals and 7 key passes. These are impressive attacking numbers for players listed as defenders.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu is another highly interesting prospect; under Chivu, he might be deployed in a new, more advanced attacking midfield role. The Turkish ex-Milan player, who ended last season with a fantasy average of 6.6, is also Inter`s designated set-piece taker (free-kicks, corners, penalties). Upfront, focus on Lautaro Martínez. After a somewhat disappointing Serie A season (12 goals and 3 assists), the Argentine striker is determined to reclaim the top scorer title. He`s reportedly training hard at Appiano Gentile to be in peak condition for the start of the season.
Inter: Potential Fantasy Football Surprises
The first potential surprise for the upcoming Nerazzurri season comes from the transfer market: Petar Sucic (estimated 25 credits). After a positive Club World Cup performance and making a strong initial impact, the Croatian talent, despite starting lower in the pecking order, could carve out significant playing time. Last year with Dinamo Zagreb, he boasted impressive numbers: 7 goals and 3 assists across the Champions League and domestic league.
Another player poised to earn considerable minutes in Chivu`s tactical setup is Nicola Zalewski (estimated 17 credits). Versatile as a central midfielder, wing-back, or attacking midfielder, the ex-Roma player is a utility man ready to delight his coach. In his first six months at Inter, the Pole already demonstrated his quality, providing a crucial assist in the Milan derby and scoring a fantastic goal against Torino in his 11 appearances, achieving an overall fantasy average just shy of sufficiency (including his time at Roma).
Finally, keep an eye on Pio Esposito (estimated 9 credits), a 2005-born forward who was a standout for Spezia in last season`s Serie B (19 goals, 3 assists). Highly regarded by Chivu, who previously coached him in Inter`s Primavera youth team, this promising center-forward will add further physicality to Inter`s attack and needs to be ready when called upon. Opportunities to make an impact will surely arise; he immediately made his mark with a superb goal in his first senior start against River Plate in the Club World Cup.
Inter: Probable Starting XI
(3-4-1-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Frattesi, Dimarco; Calhanoglu; Lautaro, Thuram.
Inter: Penalty Takers
Calhanoglu, Asllani, Lautaro Martinez.
Note: Player credits mentioned are illustrative for fantasy football purposes and may vary by platform.
