Iran FIFA World Cup Star Powers Inter Milan Through Preseason – Ready To Bench Argentine Copa America Hero In Serie A Opener | OneFootball

Mehdi Taremi is ready to push Lautaro Martinez to a spot on the bench in Inter Milan’s Serie A opener against Genoa.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They note the excellent preseason that the 32-year-old Iranian international has been having.

Taremi is one player who has been part of Inter’s squad in preseason right from the start.

The Iranian joined up with his new teammates in the Nerazzurri’s training camp two weeks ago.

That has given Taremi time to both get his fitness levels up and, even more importantly, work with Inter coach Simone Inzaghi to understand his role in his new team.

Therefore, it has been little surprise to see Taremi starting in all three of Inter’s friendly matches so far.

The Iranian has certainly made his mark.

Taremi took his goal tally in preseason to five with his brace against Las Palmas yesterday.

Of course, goals in friendlies count for little. But in Taremi’s case they are evidence of his hunger and of the fact that he is already feeling out how to lead the Nerazzurri line and find opportunities.

Mehdi Taremi Ready To Bench Lautaro Martinez In Inter Serie A Opener Vs Genoa

Taremi has not just been good value for goals, notes the Gazzetta.

The 32-year-old has also shown good instincts for when to play off the last defender or act as a physical focal point for the attack, and when to drop a little deeper, almost as a number ten.

There is therefore great confidence that Taremi can hit the ground running when competitive matches start.

The former Porto striker is already pushing to start Inter’s first match of next season.

The Nerazzurri open their Serie A campaign against Genoa in the middle of next month.

Taremi will be aided in this sense by the relatively late arrivals to training of Inter’s two starting strikers from last season.

Marcus Thuram reached the semifinals of EURO 2024 with France. And Lautaro Martinez was Argentina’s hero as they won the Copa America.

Therefore, both Thuram and Martinez were in international action for much of the summer. They’ll be back in training later than their teammates.

As such, there may be doubts about the physical condition and readiness of Thuram, and particularly of Martinez.

Therefore, it is already looking probable that an in-form Taremi could get the nod over captain Martinez against Genoa.