Inter builds on their last victory in Pisa and triumphs without problems 5-1 in the round of 16 match against Venezia at San Siro. A good performance from many Inter players who had had less playing time up to this point and who responded positively to Cristian Chivu‘s call. So let’s see ‘Five things we learned from Inter-Venezia 5-1‘.

1) Everything that Inter needed to take home from this match, they did. Seriousness, intensity, and lots of smiles, to use Chivu‘s words: a clean performance, without lapses in concentration, that brings the team to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals awaiting the winner between Roma and Torino. It was an evening in which the group recharged their mental batteries, and this – in such a packed schedule – is almost as valuable as the result.

2) There was great curiosity about the choice of wingbacks: Luis Henrique on the left and Diouf on the right. An intriguing experiment that gave clear indications. Luis Henrique showed technique and some good plays, but still doesn’t convey the confidence and boldness that are needed. On the other side, Andy Diouf continues to grow visibly: a goal to unlock the match, nearly scores a brace, increasingly energetic impact. It’s unlikely we’ll see this setup often, but one thing is certain: Diouf is getting fired up and with him, all of Inter.

3) Speaking of positive signs, Marcus Thuram takes center stage. A beautiful brace, made of technique, power, and increasingly refined movements. It was an important match to get quality minutes in his legs after the injury: mission accomplished. Also worth mentioning is a Mkhitaryan who came on very well: the technical level of the midfield immediately rises as soon as he steps onto the pitch.

4) Pio Esposito scores in the Coppa Italia as well. And it’s an incredible fact: he is the only Inter player to have scored in all competitions – Coppa Italia, Serie A, Champions League, and Club World Cup. For a boy of this age, it’s a significant achievement. The celebration was beautiful: he runs towards the bench, where all his teammates are waiting for him after he had just been substituted. A sign of how much he is already part of the group. He works, fights, and grows: this is his path.

5) It’s not a night for ratings for Josep Martinez: there were a few inaccuracies with his feet, but tonight that didn’t matter. What mattered was just seeing him back on the pitch after an accident that affected him greatly and could have led to much worse scenarios. He returns, plays, and breathes San Siro: that’s more than enough. A big hug to Josep and keep going.