Inter Milan's attack has been nothing short of spectacular this Serie A season, lighting up scoreboards with a league-leading 75 goals. This firepower has propelled them to the Scudetto and left rivals like Napoli and AC Milan trailing far behind in the goalscoring charts. It's a potent reminder that the modern Nerazzurri are built on thrilling, attacking football.

Yet, this domestic dominance makes their early Champions League exit to Atlético Madrid all the more puzzling. Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport has posed a fascinating "what if" scenario that will haunt Inter fans: what if key attackers Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram had been at their brilliant best for that fateful tie?

The timing of their injuries was particularly cruel. Dumfries, a dynamic force from wing-back, was only just returning from ankle surgery for the second leg, lacking his usual explosive impact. Thuram, whose pace and power have been devastating, was also working his way back to full fitness during that period.

In hindsight, that narrow European defeat looks increasingly avoidable. Both players have since exploded into their peak form, showcasing exactly what was missing. Thuram has been on a tear, notching 15 goals and closing in on his personal season record. Dumfries has rediscovered his marauding best, providing width and chaos for defenses.

Their resurgence is part of a broader attacking feast. Hakan Calhanoglu is bearing down on double-digit goals from midfield, while young fill-in Pio Esposito has seized his opportunity with six goals. As Inter cap their title-winning season, the tantalizing form of their stars only amplifies the feeling that a deeper Champions League run was within their grasp.