Although it was a narrow victory with plenty of suffering in the final minutes, the success achieved by Inter over Sassuolo was, for large stretches, convincing. Chivu‘s team certainly wasted far too many chances in the final third, but they did not stop pressing their opponents and looking for a second goal, even taking some risks. To conclude the analysis of the match, we therefore present the appointment with ‘Things you didn’t see in Inter-Sassuolo‘.
1) It should not be forgotten that Inter came into this match with just 3 points collected in the league. The context is clear: the goal remains to consolidate their position in the Champions zone, not to chase the title at all costs. The season should not be measured by the ‘title yes/title no’ dichotomy, but by the growth of a group that needs to stabilize and regain confidence. The victory over Sassuolo should be read within this framework.
2) Cristian Chivu does not hide and immediately identifies the priorities:
- move the ball faster;
- attack the depth better.
Two crucial aspects. The first is a matter of fluidity and conviction; the second, however, opens up a structural issue: does Inter really have players with these characteristics in the squad? The answer is not obvious, but the fact that Chivu highlights it publicly is a sign of clarity and ambition.
3) An interesting technical fact: three times Sucic played with his back to goal in the attacking third, providing precise lay-offs. From him started the move for Dimarco‘s goal, a through ball for Calhanoglu, and a pass for Pio Esposito. Dimarco, increasingly a leader, also moved centrally to find the goal: a sign that Inter does not want to rely only on the flanks, but is looking for offensive variations.
4) A sideline anecdote says a lot about Chivu‘s style. After the 2-0 goal, he immediately explained to Mkhitaryan and Bastoni that Diouf would be coming on: planning and clarity. Then the bold choice to bring on Luis Henrique on the side of Doig and Laurienté, who were increasing in intensity. The Brazilian, considered ‘shy’ by the coach, responded with a decisive ball recovery in the move for the goal. An encouraging sign.
5) Seven goals conceded this season, too many for a team with Inter‘s ambitions. The problem is not just individual errors, but a clear drop in concentration after going 2-0 up. Chivu, who already last year studied Inter by putting the defensive phase at the center of his analysis, will not be satisfied: there is real work to be done here.
6) Carlos Augusto impressed with how he took on Bastoni‘s role: in the official Lega Serie A stats, he is at the top in several parameters. A very positive note. The situation is different for the goalkeeping position: Chivu has made it clear there will not be a fixed starter, but an alternation between Sommer and Josep Martinez. An unusual management for such a delicate role, but the coach seems convinced he can carry it forward.
7) San Siro experienced a special evening: a spontaneous chant for Chivu in an almost silent atmosphere, and an explosion of enthusiasm at the plays of Pio Esposito. A sign of a crowd eager for new symbols to cling to and who sense a different energy in the young players. It’s a detail, but it says a lot about the phase Inter is experiencing.
