Inter have hope against Liverpool thanks to Simone Inzaghi’s free spirit

Simone Inzaghi made no pretences after his team were paired with Liverpool in December’s redraw for the Champions League last 16. “They were top of the list of teams I would have preferred to avoid,” said the Internazionale manager. “But we’ll try to arrive at that match in the best way possible.”

It was striking to hear such a frank acknowledgement from a man whose ability to look on the bright side has been a defining characteristic of his tenure. Even to accept the Inter job last summer required optimism where his predecessor could find none. Antonio Conte left after steering the club to a first league title in 11 years, convinced that such success would be unsustainable.

Inter were embarking on a drastic cost-cutting exercise, after posting losses of more than €245m in their accounts for 2020-21. Inzaghi knew before accepting the job that Achraf Hakimi would be sold, but not that Romelu Lukaku would follow. The Belgian led the team in goals and assists last season. Hakimi scored seven times in Serie A and set up eight more from right wing-back.

Supporters who had cheered the club president, Steven Zhang, during title celebrations hung banners outside the club’s headquarters demanding that he “take responsibility or leave our city”. Bookmakers installed Juventus, with Massimiliano Allegri back on the bench, as favourites to win Serie A. Inzaghi got on with making the most of what he had.

Edin Dzeko was signed at his request, a 35-year-old free transfer from Roma to replace a striker sold for €115m. An inspired choice. Inzaghi shared Conte’s preference for a 3-5-2 – the system he had used at Lazio – but had ideas on how to use the shape differently, encouraging his team to hold the ball more and rely less on quick