If there is one player at Inter who symbolizes a section of the squad seeking more playing time, it is undoubtedly Davide Frattesi. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, he was a significant investment for the club last year, costing over 30 million euros when you factor in cash, technical counterparts, and bonuses. Additionally, he had just completed a strong season with Sassuolo and had gained increasing recognition with the national team during Luciano Spalletti’s tenure.
Despite these promising factors, his playing time has been limited. He made 42 appearances but logged only 1,555 minutes on the pitch, meaning he started just 11 matches. The early exits from the Champions League and Coppa Italia reduced the number of fixtures, allowing coach Simone Inzaghi to rely consistently on his preferred starting eleven throughout the latter half of the season, barring any injuries.
However, Frattesi’s quality is undeniable, as evidenced by his contribution of 8 goals and 7 assists. He has been one of the standout performers during pre-season. His attitude has been commendable, and his creative sparks on the field have often been impressive. The recent acquisition of Piotr Zielinski, which enhances an already strong midfield, does not seem to threaten Frattesi’s position, as they interpret their roles differently.
This season is set to be crucial for him, and it is likely to be his breakthrough year. Not only does Inter want to nurture his development, but the squad will also need to explore various options throughout a campaign that could involve anywhere from a minimum of 50 matches to a maximum of 69. With such a demanding schedule ahead, it will be impossible for Davide not to receive the playing time he desires.