The heavy loss suffered last night by Inter, losing 3-0 against Fiorentina, is undoubtedly one of the most challenging moments of Simone Inzaghi‘s management on the Nerazzurri bench. The collapse at Franchi reopens several questions about the title race and the mental state of the team. The following are five considerations on yesterday’s match to analyze the reasons for Inter’s collapse.
The hunt for the guilty, but balance is needed
After such a debacle, the debate among fans and pundits heats up, with many pointing fingers at the transfer market, the coach’s decisions or the performance of certain players. However, two key points should not be overlooked: until a few days ago, Inter was considered ‘unbetable’ not just by Mkhitaryan, and despite the defeat, it remains the only Italian team among the top eight in the Champions League and only three points behind Napoli at the top of the table.
A mental problem, not technical
Rather than a matter of the squad or system, Inter’s real problem seems to be mental at the moment. The team has lost points due to lapses in concentration and negligence at crucial moments in games. Maintaining high tension every three days is a challenge that not even the top European clubs manage to maintain consistently, except perhaps for Liverpool this season.
The options are two-fold: accept not to compete on all fronts, focusing only on the championship, or continue to fight in every competition with the understanding that setbacks like the one in Florence can happen. Inter’s history is clear: it is not a team that always wins, but one that aims to always compete at its best.
The transfer market has nothing to do with it, the problems are elsewhere
As always, after a negative result, the discussion returns to the transfer market. Some fans lament the lack of reinforcements in January, especially in attack, but it must be remembered that in Florence, the new signings Zalewski for Inter could not even have played. The ‘double eleven’ starting lineup is an illusion created by opponents and the media, more than a reality. Inter has a competitive squad, but clearly does not have two teams of the same level.
Tactical predictability? Inzaghi is working on alternatives
Another criticism relates to the predictability of Inter, but if it was really so easy to stop the Nerazzurri, everyone would succeed. Fiorentina played a perfect defensive game, blocking the wings and screening Calhanoglu, but this does not mean that Inzaghi‘s tactical plan has failed. The coach is working heavily on set pieces to unlock games, and the disallowed goal by Carlos Augusto could have changed the match.
Looking ahead: recover quickly
Now, Inter must restart immediately. After the defeat in the first leg derby, the Nerazzurri won 14 of the next 17 games. The lesson from Florence must be learned, but without making a big deal. The league is still open and the goal remains clear: to fight on all fronts, unafraid of some bumps along the way.
