Inter Milan start Serie A season without Piotr Zielinski and Stefan de Vrij, coach Simone Inzaghi says

Inter Milan will begin their title defence without key players Stefan de Vrij and Piotr Zielinski as they kick off the Serie A season at Genoa on Saturday, manager Simone Inzaghi said.

Inter ended last season 19 points ahead of second-placed AC Milan and have kept most of their squad for the new campaign, with Zielinski being perhaps the most high-profile addition.

"Everyone is available except Zielinski, who will rest for a few more days, and De Vrij," Inzaghi told reporters on Friday, adding that the Polish midfielder would be ready for the next match against Lecce.

Inzaghi said last season's Serie A top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, would play in the match despite having had only a short holiday after helping Argentina to win the Copa America last month.

"It's up to me whether he starts the game or comes on but he is motivated, as always, and wants to get going," Inzaghi said.

The 48-year-old manager said he was happy with the squad size as the season starts but was looking to make one more addition before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, as defender Tajon Buchanan is out for the foreseeable future.

"We know that the market will evolve until the end of the month and right now we feel covered," Inzaghi said.

"We have a convincing attack and are trying to identify a valuable left-wing back."

Inzaghi declined to make predictions about the new season.

"I see a more level league," he said. "All the top sides have brought in reinforcements and even middle-of-the-table sides have been very organised with good additions and coaches." REUTERS