Inter keen on another Scudetto

Serie A defending champions Inter Milan begin their title defense this weekend with a game at home to newly promoted Bari with a desire to play quality football more consistently through out this season.

With a fifth consecutive league title up for grabs, Inter coach Jose Mourinho is hopeful that his team can win more plaudits for its style of play than in previous years.

“I think the most important thing for a team is a well defined philosophy of play and we can certainly say we have that,” Mourinho said.

“Without taking anything away from what we won in the past, last season we played some great games, but without much consistency.

“I’ve seen quality play, but things are not automatic yet. The squad is mature and tactically aware, now we need to work to make everything natural.”

Mourinho is likely to pair new signings Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito in attack, but holding midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is out till October with a knee injury, meaning Patrick Viera is likely to deputize.

Bari, which returns to the top flight after an eight year absence, will travel to the San Siro without their main offseason signing Riccardo Meggiorini, who is suspended. The side could also be missing last year’s leading scorer Paulo Vitor Barreto.

There was better news for the southern club earlier in the week when it was revealed that United States real estate businessman Timothy Barton is set to complete his purchase of the club in October.

It means though that funds for new players will only be available in the January transfer window, leaving the club to make survival the overriding priority.

“Barton does not have a magic wand,” general manager Alessio Mora said.

“This year we will do everything to achieve our primary objective: safety. After that, we will aim higher.”