Inter-necine

by Clinton Ooi

As the new season gets underway in Serie A, Nezzazurri fans could not be faulted for having a feeling of optimism. The demise of 'champions' Juventus to Serie B, the docking of 8 championship points of housemates, AC Milan & the awarding of the 2005/06 league title (their first in... well let's just say eons).

You noticed, I haven't even begun to drop names and speak about Inter's summer imitation of Chelsea (2004) & Real Madrid (well... Fiorentino Perez). So now I am...

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juve)
• Patrick Vieira (Juve)
• Fabio Grosso (Palermo)
• Hernan Crespo (Chelsea)
• Olivier Dacourt (Roma)

All world class names who would slot into any good first eleven in the world (apart from Dacourt of course).

These are in addition to last season's squad stars like:

• Adriano
• Estaban Cambiasso
• Marco Materazzi
• Luis Figo
• Ivan Cordoba
• Javier Zanetti

Q: So, Inter favourites for the title?

A: Far from it!

To be honest, I don't think Inter could win the title even if they signed Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry. Yes, football is a game won on the field. However, there are an array of off-field elements that could be as influential, if not more influential.

Here are the reasons why:

1. The transfer policy - Inter have always had a big squad, too big and inbalanced in my opinion.
2. The Gaffer - For a club of Inter's stature and rich history, they always seem to make the wrong choice for the top job. I like Roberto Mancini but I am not convinced he could lead Inter to the Serie A title... legitimately and on equal grounds.
3. Lack of luck - Inter can be classed as the 'graveyard' of football. Stars that come here, either do not perform or have career stalled for various reasons ie Ronaldo's injury curse and Dennis Bergkamp's insignificance.
4. The Shoot-myself-in-the-Foot tendency - They have a knack to losing the 'unlosable' games and watch this space. I will put myself out on the limb that by season's end we will be writing about either AC Milan's repentance and redemption or Roma's emergence and maturation of it's new generation.

So while the blue half of the San Siro may be singing now, watch out for the fat lady, she's waming up on the touchline.