Internacional started the season under coach 'Cacique' Medina, but soon found itself in a bad situation after a sub-par performance in the Campeonato Gaúcho, being knocked out by rivals Gremio thanks to a 3–0 home defeat in the knockout round which the team was unable to turn around even after winning at the Arena do Grêmio in the 2nd leg.

The Uruguayan was sacked after a 1–1 draw at Beira-Rio vs Guaireña, prompting the hiring of veteran and Rio Grande do Sul-born Mano Menezes.

Under Menezes, the Colorado slowly managed to find consistency, also greatly after the signings of players like Wanderson, Carlos De Pena, Vitão, Renê, Gabriel, Pedro Henrique and Alan Patrick.

Internacional soon piled good results in the Brasileirão and was constantly on the races for the top spot, but was unable to reach eventual champions Palmeiras and found themselves Serie A runner-ups once again, the fifth time it happened in the 21st century.

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