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After five successive Scudetti, Inter saw their Serie A dominance ended by city rivals Milan.
The loss of coach Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid was decisive, with the analytical Rafael Benitez proving an inadequate replacement for the charismatic Portuguese.
Still, huge credit had to go to Massimiliano Allegri, who fully justified the Rossoneri’s faith in him by ending their seven-year title drought. Indeed, the former Cagliari boss expertly managed several colossal egos, including those of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Antonio Cassano.
Allegri got the very best out of the talented but temperamental Kevin-Prince Boateng, restored the defensive solidity for which the Rossoneri were once renowned – they conceded just 24 goals across the 2010-11 Serie A season – and pulled off a masterstroke in acquiring the abrasive Mark van Bommel in January to bolster the midfield.
CHANGES
Allegri arrived at San Siro in June, two months after he had been surprisingly sacked by Cagliari, and saw his squad strengthened at low cost.
Boateng was co-owned with Genoa, while Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola wanted rid of Ibrahimovic at all costs, so the Swede was allowed to join Milan on loan, albeit with an option to buy for €24m.
Ibra’s move to city rivals Milan hurt Inter fans dearly and their pain turned to anger when club president Massimo Moratti refused to make a single significant signing until Giampaolo Pazzini joined from Sampdoria in January.
By that stage, though, a frustrated Benitez had already been replaced at helm by Leonardo.
Juventus’ new coach, Luigi Delneri, at least managed to see out the season but his services were not retained after failing to get the best out the Old Lady’s most expensive summer signings Leonardo Bonucci (€15.5m) and Milos Krasic (€15m).
Elsewhere, the economic crisis hit hard. Indeed, Roma were forced into taking a gamble on former Inter ace Adriano that did not pay off at all, but Lazio picked up Sao Paulo midfielder Hernanes for what…
Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/season-reviews/when-zlatan-and-milan-ended-inters-stranglehold-serie-a-in-2010-11/101
Author : [email protected] (Mark Doyle)
Publish date : 2024-07-30 16:00:00
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