How Luciano Spalletti has made Inter Milan title contenders again
2016-17 was one of the worst seasons in recent memory for football club Internazionale. The bad run started as early as preseason, with Roberto Mancini sacked just 2 weeks before the start of the campaign. An infamous yet ephemeral Frank De Boer stewardship lasted just 85 days before Stefano Pioli took over, and he too didn’t manage to see out the season. By the time caretaker, Stefano Vecchi led Inter to 7th place in the table, the club was mired in a chaos of massive proportions.
The announcement of Luciano Spalletti as the new manager in June 2017, therefore, was greeted enthusiastically by the fans. He had a proven track record in Serie A, having led Roma to 3rd and 2nd place finishes in the previous 2 seasons. Yet fears persisted over Spalletti’s lack of silverware, the lack of squad depth and the relatively modest transfer activity (especially in contrast to rivals AC Milan).
Those fears have since been proven to be completely unfounded. The 5-0 thrashing of Chievo in early December took Spalletti’s men to the top of the Serie A – albeit a position they have since relinquished with losses to Udinese and Sassuolo. Still, the massive improvement throughout the squad is there for all to see – Spalletti has given the fanbase reason to dream again.
Here’s how Inter Milan has turned into title contenders again:
Man-management skills
Spalletti's man-management skills are distinguished in the Serie A. The way he eased Totti to retirement at Roma drew a lot of plaudits; he helped Edin Dzeko rediscover his goalscoring touch and shifted Radja Nainggolan to an attacking midfield role that resulted in the Belgian scoring more goals than ever. Miralem Pjanic, even after his move to Turin, retains a strong emotional connection with his former boss.
At Inter, Andrea Ranocchia has been one of the key beneficiaries of Spalletti's influence. The Italian isn't very popular among the fans; for some of them, he epitomises the mediocrity the club has come to accept in recent years. According to a report in football Italia, during a preseason camp, a supporter on the touchlines shouted at Ranocchia, "You've got to go!", to which Spalletti replied, "No. You are the one who needs to leave."
His faith has not been in vain. Going into the recent match against Chievo, Miranda, Gagliardini, and Vecino were simultaneously unavailable. Ranocchia stepped in with an assured performance and the fans responded with nonstop encouragement and support.
This sense of squad harmony and unity could only be a sign of positive things to come.