After the goal comes the renewal. De Vrij-Inter, moving forward together

by Alessandro Luigi Maggi

Stefan De Vrij e Francesco Acerbi back to the center. Together. Like never before this year. A precious opportunity for theInter. If in the summer a future in a pair away from Milan at the end of this season was absolutely not to be excluded, today the situation appears very different. The role of the centre-backs in the three-man defence is crucial for the balance of the group of Simone Inzaghi and their presence guarantees solidity and experience to a team at the top in all competitions. De Vrij, who started as a reserve, surprised everyone with top-level performances. His goal in the derby against Milan, which came in injury time and was worth the draw, confirmed how much the value of this player has grown in recent weeks. The Dutchman was included in the ideal formation for the 23rd matchday of Serie A, and this goes beyond the single goal, as fundamental as it was after two defeats in the previous seasonal derbies. The contract is expiring, but the management is already evaluating a multi-year extension, which would solve one of the biggest question marks of the next summer market. "He deserves all this, he is a boy who has always shown seriousness and professionalism, I am very happy for him", declared his agent Federico Pastorello in recent days.

Acerbi, on the other hand, has had a difficult time due to a long injury, the latest chapter in a series of problems that had already emerged during last season (played great), which ended with his absence from the European Championships. His return, however, represents an added value for Inzaghi, who considers him a point of reference for experience and leadership. His contract is also expiring and his future remains uncertain. "We will address these issues later with the market closed", added Pastorello, confirming that any discussion will only be started now, when the doors of the winter session slam, where the club has worked less than others, nevertheless signing Nicola Zalewski, who was immediately valuable in the derby.

Having two players of this level is a stroke of luck for Inter, and that means they can face the final rush of the season with a solid and reliable defense. "We were careful to seize the opportunities we needed," said president Beppe Marotta, postponing other decisive issues to the next few weeks. Inter, currently second in the standings behind Napoli, needs a defense that can match their Scudetto ambitions. With De Vrij and Acerbi available, Inzaghi has two certainties to rely on, while waiting to understand what the future of both will be at the end of the season. If in the summer there was talk of a possible farewell, now the prospect seems to be that of a permanence and a still decisive role. At least for the Dutchman.