After Internazionale's elimination from the Club World Cup, the season is over for the Champions League finalist and Serie A runner-up. Italian media report on a short break during which the club management will have to work hard to get the squad back to full strength. The newspapers place particular emphasis on the defense.
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Stefan de Vrij’s future at Internazionale has come under intense scrutiny following the club’s disappointing 2–0 defeat to Fluminense in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Once a cornerstone of Inter’s defense, the Dutch centre-back is now facing growing criticism not only for his role in the team’s elimination but also for a broader decline in his performances over recent seasons. Italian media outlets, particularly La Gazzetta dello Sport, have reported that significant changes are expected in the heart of the defense this summer. With Inter entering a transitional phase under new coach Cristian Chivu, the backline once seen as a model of stability now appears to be the most urgent area in need of renewal.
“It’s vacation time,” La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote. “While the players disconnect from the club, Chivu must begin his evaluations. Given the age of the current defensive options, the evident drop in performance levels, and the growing dissatisfaction in Milan, it’s reasonable to expect at least two new central defenders to be brought in.” This remark directly points at De Vrij and his long-time defensive partner Francesco Acerbi, both of whom are now well into their thirties. For years, Inter prided itself on having one of the most reliable defensive lines in Italy and Europe, but that image has begun to fade.
De Vrij, now 33 years old, joined Inter in 2018 after a successful spell at Lazio and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most consistent and intelligent defenders. In his early years at the club, he played nearly every minute of every match, becoming a leader in Antonio Conte’s three-man defense and later under Simone Inzaghi. However, over the last few seasons, his influence has waned. Although he made 43 appearances this season across all competitions, he averaged only around seventy minutes per match a noticeable drop from previous campaigns where he was a mainstay for the full ninety. Back in his debut season at Inter, he averaged almost ninety minutes per game across 36 matches. The numbers reflect a gradual but clear decline in his physical capabilities and importance in the squad.
This trend reached a low point during the loss to Fluminense. With Acerbi left on the bench, Chivu chose to start De Vrij in what was expected to be a difficult yet manageable test against the South American champions. However, the match turned against Inter almost immediately, and De Vrij was at the heart of the collapse. Early in the game, he mishandled a routine clearance, striking the ball into an oncoming Fluminense player. The deflection fell perfectly for the Brazilian side to launch a swift counterattack, culminating in the opening goal. From that moment on, Inter never recovered.
La Stampa, one of Italy’s leading newspapers, was particularly critical of the veteran defender. “Francesco Acerbi was on the bench and De Vrij played in his place, becoming responsible for Inter’s nightmare start,” the paper wrote. “With one clumsy action, he triggered the sequence that allowed Fluminense to take the lead. It was a moment that summed up everything wrong with Inter’s current defensive setup hesitation, lack of sharpness, and poor decision-making.” The paper added that fears of lightning storms over the Charlotte stadium were unfounded; the only flashes of brilliance came from Fluminense on the pitch.
Other media outlets echoed these sentiments. Il Giornale described the performance as a complete collapse, stating that Inter’s players were not mentally or physically present. The Milan-based daily wrote, “In the scorching Charlotte cauldron, Inter’s Club World Cup ends in the worst possible way. A terrible performance from the Nerazzurri in the Round of 16, with several players clearly not mentally present, in poor physical condition, and above all, lacking the determination that had been evident in the victory over River Plate just days earlier.”
The aftermath of the loss has sparked debate not only about individual performances but also about the strategic direction of the club. Cristian Chivu, who only recently took over managerial duties, now faces an enormous challenge. He must oversee the restructuring of an aging squad while maintaining competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions. The defense is seen as the priority. With De Vrij and Acerbi both in decline and Milan Škriniar still struggling to regain full fitness, the club is expected to be active in the transfer market. Several names have already been linked, including young Italian talents and more physically dynamic defenders who can play a higher line and adapt to a faster pace.
As for De Vrij, his future remains uncertain. With only one year remaining on his contract, Inter must soon decide whether to offer him a reduced extension, sell him now, or let him leave for free next summer. Reports suggest that clubs in the Netherlands, Germany, and England have shown interest, but no concrete offers have been confirmed. A return to the Eredivisie with Feyenoord or Ajax would represent a full-circle moment for the Dutch international, though financial considerations and personal ambitions will weigh heavily in his decision.
What is clear, however, is that the Inter backline of old is no longer sustainable. The solidity and calmness that defined the team during its title-winning campaign in 2020–21 have given way to inconsistency and vulnerability. And while De Vrij has given much to the club, including his role in ending Juventus’ nine-year reign in Serie A, it now appears his time in Milan may be drawing to a close.
Still, his contributions should not be forgotten. He was instrumental in Inter’s rise back to the top of Italian football, helping guide the club to multiple trophies and memorable European nights. But as Inter looks to the future, the need for renewal is undeniable. Whether De Vrij remains a part of that journey or becomes one of the names left behind as a new era begins will soon be decided.
