It was a turbulent off-season for Inter Milan, as the newly-crowned Serie A champions not only saw coach Antonio Conte leave the club, but star duo Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku also exited for Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea respectively.
Renowned transfer guru Beppe Marotta brought in Edin Dzeko and Denzel Dumfries as replacements, at a combined cost of €14m, and the pairing have linked up in spectacular fashion.
Well-travelled Bosnian Dzeko is one of the most underrated strikers of his generation, leading Wolfsburg to a shock Bundesliga crown in 2009, before playing an instrumental role in Manchester City’s maiden Premier League title.
The hitman was adored on the terraces at the Etihad Stadium, clinching four major honours during his time in England. Dzeko moved to Roma ahead of the 2015-16 domestic campaign, netting 119 goals in six seasons and making such an impression he was awarded the captain’s armband during the latter stages of his time in the Italian capital.
The veteran was repeatedly linked to Juventus and Inter in the 18 months prior to his departure and would have proved a smart signing for the Bianconeri as they continue to struggle without a reliable focal point. As it transpired, Marotta finally got his man in August and after the first seven rounds of action, Dzeko had registered six efforts and one assist.
The Nerazzurri No 9 may be 35, but is still one of the most fearsome attackers in the division and the biggest compliment offered to Dzeko is that his predecessor has not been missed.
The Serie A title has so far eluded the Bosnia and Herzegovina all-time top scorer, but there would be little surprise if Dzeko was instrumental in Inter retaining the Scudetto, despite the summer turmoil.
