Zhang Kangyang Issues Two-Star Directive: Inter Milan's Season Strategy Shift? Data King Awaits Lukaku

In the past 24 hours, several significant developments have taken place at Inter Milan. One notable piece of news comes from Gazzetta dello Sport, which provided an update on Inter Milan president Zhang Kangyang. Although Zhang was supposed to attend the board meeting in person, he could only join via video from Nanjing. In his video message, Zhang expressed his eagerness to be with the team and shared that he watches nearly every Inter Milan match despite his busy schedule. However, he indicated that it might be the end of the year before he can return to Milan. Zhang's daily communications with the team's executives underscore his desire to be involved, as he senses that this season presents a prime opportunity for Inter Milan to secure their second star (20th league title), a goal that holds immense significance for the club's status and future operations. Italian media have been discussing the potential impact of such a clear directive from the club owner on the team.

Sky Sports also reported on Inter Milan's upcoming Champions League match against Red Bull Salzburg, where Marcus Thuram is unlikely to start. Instead, Alexis Sanchez might partner with Lautaro Martinez to form a "double short" forward line. Head coach Simone Inzaghi, who brought Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the pre-match press conference, mentioned that Mkhitaryan enjoys playing as a second striker, highlighting the flexibility within the squad, especially with Marko Arnautovic still recovering from injury. Inzaghi confirmed Sanchez's readiness to start, sparking some debate on social media about the risks of betting on Sanchez in such a crucial Champions League match. Given that only two players in the team, Lautaro Martinez (11 goals and 1 assist in 12 matches) and Thuram (4 goals and 5 assists in 763 minutes), have averaged over 1.0 goal involvement per 90 minutes, the decision to start Sanchez raises questions. Critics argue that relying on Sanchez might be too risky, as many fans still doubt his capabilities. Additionally, this match might feature significant rotation, as Inter Milan did against Real Sociedad, which drew criticism. If this pattern continues, it could signify a significant shift in Inter Milan's strategy compared to last season, where they often seemed more focused on the Champions League at the expense of their league performance.

Last season, Inter Milan's approach to the league often seemed less intense compared to their commitment in the Champions League, leading to 12 league losses. This season, however, the strategy might change significantly. The team’s confidence likely boosted after reaching the Champions League final last season, possibly believing they can advance without exhausting all their resources in the group stage. Another factor could be the high-level emphasis on securing the second star, influencing the team's focus and determination.

From a tactical perspective, the consensus among Italian analysts has been that Marcus Thuram, upon joining Inter, would not only silence his critics with his performance but also need careful management due to his injury-prone nature. With nine injuries over the past two seasons, including three major ones, it's crucial to manage his playing time to avoid burnout. Rotating him out of the starting lineup doesn't necessarily mean he won't play; he could still be a decisive substitute.

Inter Milan fans are mobilizing on Italian social media, planning a significant demonstration when Romelu Lukaku returns to the city for the match against Roma. Over 140,000 fans are expected to attend Inter's next two home games (against Salzburg and Roma), with the latter expected to be particularly intense. Fans have reportedly prepared tens of thousands of whistles to welcome Lukaku, a response fueled by emotional reactions to his departure. This tension has been building, with figures like Marotta, Ausilio, Inzaghi, and Lautaro expressing their displeasure with Lukaku in recent interviews. Although Inzaghi downplayed the importance of focusing on Roma and Lukaku before the Salzburg match, emotions are likely to run high, potentially distracting both fans and players. For Thuram, the match against Lukaku holds additional significance, and if he can rest during the Champions League fixture, it would be beneficial.

In summary, with the board explicitly targeting the second star as the season's primary goal, the upcoming Champions League match against Salzburg, set against a backdrop of heightened attention on Roma and Lukaku, presents a compelling scenario. Whether Inter Milan will be affected by these dynamics remains to be seen. Securing three points is essential, but so is managing the team's resources effectively. It will be fascinating to see how Inter Milan navigates this challenging period and whether they can deliver a performance that meets expectations.