Marcelo Brozovic Remains Key To Inter’s Fortunes Under Antonio Conte | OneFootball

Marcelo Brozovic remains pivotal to Inter’s hopes of success under Antonio Conte following a remarkable transformation 18 months ago, according to Gazzetta.it.

The Croatian is the only midfielder to have survived the Nerazzurri’s summer revolution, producing an impressive performance in tandem with Stefano Sensi against Lecce on Monday.

Antonio Conte has admired Brozovic ever since he played against his Italy side in a Euro 2016 qualifying match at San Siro, but the 26-year-old’s recent upturn in fortunes is down to hard work both from himself and Luciano Spalletti.

“After three seasons in which Brozovic had been more intermittent than a lighthouse and did most of his man-marking in discos and bars, Inter reached an agreement with Sevilla for a loan with an option to buy for €28 million,” GdS recalled.

“The La Liga side sent a private jet to collect the midfielder, but Spalletti blocked everything at the last minute because, as he waited for Javier Pastore – in a sliding doors moment that ultimately smiled on Inter – his only available players would have been Joao Mario and Rafinha, who was recovering from a long-term injury.”

Spalletti picked Brozovic in central midfield for a 0-0 draw at home to Napoli in March, and from that moment on he would never move from that position.

GdS continued: “Brozovic changed the complexion of Inter’s season, helping the Nerazzurri escape from their traditional winter hibernation and secure Champions League qualification on the final day against Lazio.

“He demonstrated he was comfortable playing in a double pivot alongside Sensi on Monday night and he can still make the difference with Conte in charge.

“The movement of Inter’s two strikers will open up a lot of space for a player who has great technique and sees the opposition goal well.”

Brozovic was credited with sorting his head out following the birth of his daughter and a few stern ‘warnings’ from supporters, who were fed up with his nonchalant attitude on the pitch.

The 2018 World Cup finalist’s lowest moments involved conceding a penalty against Sampdoria for a needless handball, before leaving San Siro at half-time after an embarrassing 45-minute performance against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Europa League.

Those incidents are now a thing of the past and Conte will be pinning his hopes on Brozovic continuing his stellar form throughout the upcoming season.