Inter Milan's Strategy to Overcome Weaknesses and Create Beautiful Football: A Detail-Oriented Maestro Leading a New Serie A Trend

Inter Milan's recent 2-1 victory over Genoa marked their ninth consecutive win in 2024, bringing them closer to one of their three major Italian records: starting the year with 11 straight wins across all competitions. If they win their next two matches (against Bologna and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League), they will not only set a new record but also gain significant momentum.

Despite the victory, the performance left some fans wanting more, given the high expectations set by previous games. With three games in eight days, including a tough derby, and several key players missing, it was a challenging match. In previous seasons, Inter might have stumbled in such a game, but securing three points was the most important outcome. The fatigue of many Inter players was evident, such as Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Benjamin Pavard, and Alexis Sanchez, who showed signs of exhaustion.

Among those showing signs of fatigue was Kristjan Asllani. Hakan Calhanoglu's injury was seen as an opportunity by their rivals, as Inter has struggled with a lower win rate when their defensive midfielder is absent. Finding a low-cost, low-salary, capable backup defensive midfielder willing to sit on the bench is a significant challenge in modern football. However, Asllani stepped up during the intense schedule, helping the team secure three wins. He covered the most ground in full matches, running over 12,000 meters, scoring his first goal, and providing an assist.

Despite his second-half fatigue and some errors, the 21-year-old Asllani passed his test as a rotation player. The victory was hard-fought, but there were several positives to take away. One notable moment was Asllani's first goal, which saw all the players, including the substitutes, congratulating him. Pavard, a high-character player, used a special gesture meaningful to Albanians to celebrate with the young star. Inter's substitute players have a pact: whoever scores must buy gifts for their teammates. After the game, Asllani said, “Now it’s my turn to treat everyone, but I don’t mind. I’m so happy. Whatever they want, I’ll get it for them.”

Since Beppe Marotta took over as the director, Inter's team atmosphere has generally been positive, but previous seasons still saw occasional dramas, such as Sensi's transfer saga, Vecino's public criticism of the coach, and rumors involving certain Parisian clubs. This season, however, has been free of negative news, and the warm camaraderie among the substitutes is a welcome change.

Addressing Weaknesses and Enhancing Team Dynamics

One of the most notable scenes from the Genoa match was in the 38th minute when Nicolo Barella won a penalty. Lautaro Martinez, who had missed a penalty in the previous game, did not take it. With Calhanoglu off the pitch, the responsibility fell to Sanchez, who has an even worse penalty record than Lautaro. This exposed Inter’s weakness in penalty-taking. Lautaro has taken 22 penalties for Inter, missing eight, a 34% miss rate. Sanchez is worse, having missed 11 out of 21 penalties in club and national team competitions.

This brought back memories of the previous game, where Inzaghi, aware of Lautaro’s unreliable penalty-taking, instructed Federico Dimarco and other players on how to follow up during the VAR review. As expected, Lautaro missed, and Dimarco scored on the rebound. This shows that Inzaghi had a plan and is a detail-oriented coach.

During the Genoa match, as Sanchez prepared to take the penalty, multiple Inter players positioned themselves strategically around the penalty area, creating a difference from most teams who have players standing on the penalty box line. This setup allowed the players to build momentum and enter the box with speed, ensuring they were ready for a rebound. This tactic reflects Inzaghi's meticulous approach and understanding of his players’ abilities.

The Potential Influence of Inzaghi’s Tactical Innovations

Italian media believe this approach could be adopted by other Serie A teams in the future. Football is often said to be decided by details, and Inzaghi’s strategies exemplify this. With Inter edging closer to the title, Inzaghi, known as the "King of Cup Competitions" and a proponent of beautiful football, is on the verge of becoming a true championship-winning coach.

When Inzaghi took over Inter, experts noted two key differences compared to other coaches: his quick thinking, as demonstrated by his tactical adjustments, and his diligence. Inzaghi is a workaholic, managing the team through a demanding schedule while also preparing for Champions League matches and monitoring the condition of all 20+ players. His preparation extends to specific scenarios, such as penalty situations, showcasing his thorough approach.

This work ethic and attention to detail are why Inzaghi, celebrating his 300th milestone match, is leading Serie A. His ability to adapt and innovate, even in challenging circumstances, has earned him respect and admiration. This season, Inter’s lack of negative news and strong team spirit can be attributed to Inzaghi’s leadership and the culture instilled by Marotta.

Creating a Positive Team Environment

Inter's positive team environment is further exemplified by their victory celebrations and camaraderie. Pavard’s special gesture to Asllani and the substitutes' pact to buy gifts for each other after scoring highlight the team’s unity. Such moments are rare and precious, contributing to a cohesive team dynamic.

Inzaghi’s emphasis on stability and team spirit has paid off, with the team performing consistently well despite challenges. His ability to manage players’ fatigue and keep them motivated is crucial in a long and grueling season. This balance of tactical acumen and team management sets Inzaghi apart from other coaches.

Inter’s Future Under Inzaghi

Inter’s future looks promising under Inzaghi’s guidance. His attention to detail, strategic innovations, and ability to create a positive team environment bode well for the club’s ambitions. As Inter continues to compete on multiple fronts, Inzaghi’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead.

The club’s management, led by Zhang Kangyang and Marotta, must support Inzaghi by maintaining squad stability and providing the necessary resources. Their ability to balance financial constraints with competitive goals will be crucial in retaining top talent and achieving success.

The Role of Zhang Kangyang and Marotta

Zhang Kangyang and Marotta face a challenging task. They must ensure that the club remains competitive while navigating financial constraints. Their ability to balance these demands will be crucial in convincing Inzaghi to stay. The upcoming return of Zhang Kangyang to Milan will be an opportunity to discuss these issues in depth and find a viable path forward.

In the broader context of European football, where financial powerhouses constantly eye top talents and coaches, Inter’s ability to retain Inzaghi will be a testament to their strategic vision and operational acumen. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even higher.

As the season progresses, Inter fans will be hoping that their club can provide the necessary conditions for Inzaghi to continue his successful tenure. The story of Inzaghi at Inter is still being written, and with the right moves, it could be a long and prosperous chapter in the club’s illustrious history.