Calcio Mercato: Inter add Ranocchia as they look to the future, but they should be more concerned with the present

Andrea Ranocchia has joined the ranks of Inter Milan for a cool 12.5 million Euro's as the Genoa connection once again fed the San Siro with another talent. This time however it is an investment for the future as the 22 year old Ranocchia links up with fellow future prospects Santon, Biabiany and Coutinho at San Siro to learn their trade alongside their more senior counterparts. There is no question about the wealth and quality that Inter have at their disposal but if anything has been shown from this season so far with regards to Inter it is that it is not as deep as perhaps it was perceived to be. Their injury crisis has been a huge factor to the downturn in their performances this season. Missing Diego Milito and his vat of goals has been problem number one, whilst the  long term absence of Estaban Cambiasso and Thiago Motta has no doubt weakened Inter's strength. This confirmed may peoples opinions that the European Champions not only stood still in the summer, but let the rest of Europe catch up.

All is certainly not lost though. They have two very winnable games in hand against Cesena and Fiorentina and avoided more difficult paths in the Champions League, although Bayern represent a tough test. However, there's always the danger that a lesson has not been learned and whilst Ranocchia represents an excellent signing they, in my opinion at least, require more firepower upfront to help Eto'o whose been keeping Inter afloat in that department so far. With that in mind Alexis Sanchex of Udinese has been heavily linked to Leonardo's black and blues in recent days and his creativity, speed and close control ability could add an unpredictable nature to Inter's attack and aide Eto'o and Milito as the season cranks up to the business end. Watch this space.