5 Things to Expect from Dani Osvaldo at Inter Milan

Southampton forward Dani Osvaldo has joined Inter Milan on loan.

According to transfermarkt.com, the Argentina-born Italian striker's loan spell lasts until the end of June 2015, at which point Inter will have the option to sign him on a more permanent basis.

Though owned by Southampton, Osvaldo spent the second half of last season at Juventus on loan, where he struggled for playing time. As a result, he missed out on selection for Italy's World Cup campaign.

He will be hoping that he can reignite his career at Internazionale.

Here are five things to expect from him with the Italian giants. 

Fireworks

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Controversy has followed Osvaldo throughout his playing career. Unless he has suddenly matured or undergone a personality transplant, that is likely to continue at Inter.

The latest major incident involving the 28-year-old came in January when he headbutted team-mate Jose Fonte in a violent training ground altercation.

While at Roma, he punched colleague Erik Lamela following an argument, and he was involved in several other incidents during his time at Southampton.

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri could have a hard time managing Osvaldo's now infamous temper. 

Inconsistency

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At his best, Osvaldo is a lethal striker who is a constant danger to the opposition.

However, he has had trouble performing at that level over an entire season, and over consecutive seasons, and this is something he needs to improve on.

Perhaps his habit of shifting clubs regularly has not helped him maintain goalscoring momentum.

Since making his professional debut for Huracan in 2005, Osvaldo has spent time at nine different clubs—Inter included.

His best period came when he was at Espanyol and Roma. In 2010-11, he scored 14 goals for the Spanish team in all competitions, before backing that up with 11 in his first season with Roma and 17 in the following campaign.

If Mazzarri is prepared to give Osvaldo time to settle, he may become a regular goalscorer for the Nerazzurri. 

More Chances to Prove Himself

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At Juventus last season, Osvaldo had trouble earning a place in the side. 

With Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente ahead of him in the pecking order, he only made 11 appearances for the Bianconeri in Serie A and many of those were as a substitute.

While Inter also have some fine strikers on their books, the Italian international is good enough to be competing with the likes of Mauro Icardi and Ruben Botta for a place in the starting XI.

With more playing time, he may soon work his way back to his best form. 

Goals

Given the right environment, Osvaldo can thrive.

He is, at his best, a top-class striker who was previously good enough to earn a spot in the Italian national team.

With physical presence, speed and aerial ability, Osvaldo is as adept at playing the traditional No. 9 role as few other forwards presently operating in Serie A.

The former Fiorentina man is also capable of deft ball control and the occasional moment of sublime skill, so he has the potential to add real value to Inter's forward line. 

A Possible Long-Term Stay

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Should Osvaldo be given the chance to show his worth at Inter, he could well earn a permanent move to the San Siro at the end of his loan spell.

There are currently only three other viable strikers on the club's books—Botta, Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio—meaning there is certainly room for more quality forwards.

The fact that the other three are all Argentinian should make the new kid on the block feel more at home.

Osvaldo probably won't be expected to set Serie A on fire after his difficult 2013/14 campaign, but a strong showing punctuated by a handful of goals could be enough to convince Mazzarri that he is worth keeping on.