Inter rebuild continues with Miranda signing

After a disappointing eighth-place finish in Serie A last season, FC Internazionale Milano have been active in the transfer window this summer in a bid to return to the UEFA Champions League – a competition they won in 2010.

Inter conceded 48 goals in 2014/15, double that of Juventus, and a figure Roberto Mancini intends to drastically lower next term. To help realise that aim the Nerazzurri coach has moved quickly to bring in Colombia defender Jeison Murillo from Granada CF and Club Atlético de Madrid centre-back Miranda.

Murillo, 23, shone at the Copa América, the missed penalty against Argentina in the quarter-finals notwithstanding, and scored his first international goal in the 1-0 group stage victory against Brazil. "Murillo is a very good defender," said his fellow countryman and former Inter defender Iván Córdoba. "He's very strong, especially on man-to-man marking. He can give a lot to Inter and I hope he will remain with the Nerazzurri for many years."

Miranda (left) and Diego Godín©AFP/Getty Images

The 30-year-old Brazilian Miranda, together with Diego Godín, formed one of the continent's strongest defensive partnerships while at Atlético, winning the Liga title in 2014 and reaching the UEFA Champions League final under the guidance of erstwhile Inter midfielder Diego Simeone.

"Simeone told me I was joining a great club," Miranda said. "I was looking for a new challenge and Inter is a great opportunity for me in this sense. I'm sure we'll have a great season."

The highlight of the summer has been the purchase of midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from AS Monaco FC for around €40m. The arrival of the 22-year-old has sparked a great deal of enthusiasm among supporters, who have taken great delight in the fact that Inter beat their city rivals AC Milan to the signature of the former RC Lens and Sevilla FC player.

"Roberto Mancini called and convinced me to join Inter," said Kondogbia. "It's a fantastic opportunity for me. We will do great things here, I'm sure." Adept at tackling and intercepting possession, Kondogbia is a physical player with a great understanding of the game. Long touted as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe, he excelled last term in Monaco's journey to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Geoffrey Kondogbia in action against Juve©Getty Images

"I'm sure I can develop as a player in Italy," Kondogbia added. "Tactically, Serie A is arguably the best league and that's the aspect [of my game] I hope I can improve the most." With last season's 22-goal Serie A top-scorer Mauro Icardi set to lead the line once more and speculation building about more high-profile acquisitions, are Inter well-equipped to challenge at the top of Serie A and secure a return to the world's top club competition?

Inter favourite Giuseppe Bergomi certainly thinks so. "It's always good to add physical players like Miranda, Murillo and Kondogbia," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Mancini will have a fantastic squad. They can already compete with Juve for the Scudetto."