Chivu aims to rebuild Inter Milan defense after early struggles
Too many goals conceded in the first games prompt Chivu to strengthen the backline that was once a cornerstone of Inter Milan
Too many goals conceded in the first games prompt Chivu to strengthen the backline that was once a cornerstone of Inter Milan
Too many goals conceded in the opening matches have worried Inter Milan under Chivu. The coach wants to immediately fix the defensive line that has been a point of strength in recent years.
“The numbers are clear: six games played, six goals conceded. This mini-assessment of Chivu’s first Inter Milan season, spanning the end of last year and the start of the new one—including the first two league games and four Club World Cup matches—may seem a bit sneaky, but it highlights an alert on the coach’s dashboard.
As a detail-oriented manager and former pillar of a Treble-winning defense, Chivu knows well that this performance rollercoaster around Sommer must be corrected and stabilized quickly. Inter Milan, which built its recent success on a solid backline, must rebuild the wall and raise it again.”
In recent seasons, the defense had been nearly unbeatable, as in the stellar year two seasons ago and last year, when Acerbi and his teammates dominated European defenses (while struggling domestically): only one goal conceded in the first stage of the Champions League, unmatched across Europe.
Then things changed in the Cup, with six goals conceded in two matches against Barcelona and the shocking collapse in the Munich final.
Akanji’s arrival is welcome, but Inter Milan’s defense cannot rely on him alone
A season—and a change on the bench—later, things haven’t improved much. Inter Milan, which had a risk-free debut against Torino, suffered in the second disastrous match against Udinese.
Everyone, from the struggling Bisseck to Acerbi and Bastoni, reached the international break gasping for air. Some players performed inconsistently, like Bastoni for Italy: excellent against Estonia, scoring in both that match and his Inter Milan debut, but less sharp against Israel, a game marred by an own goal that nearly cost Italy dearly.
De Vrij performed worse, criticized by Dutch media after a shaky performance against Lithuania: “He didn’t play a minute in the first two Inter Milan games, and it shows,” commentators noted.
So, with this context, Akanji’s arrival is certainly welcome. However, one thing is clear: the former Manchester City defender will help, but Inter Milan’s defense cannot rely on Manuel alone to return to top form.
All players, from starters to alternatives, must quickly regain the form, spirit, and focus of a title-winning defense.
A key concern is the physical condition of the two veteran center-backs, especially Acerbi. The 37-year-old, dominant in duels, suffered against Davis in the defeat to Udinese and now faces Jonathan David at the Stadium.
Big battles are his specialty—just ask Haaland, Lukaku, and Kean. The break at Appiano will leave him no excuses for Saturday’s duel: will Acerbi still be the unbeatable warrior, or will Chivu have to quickly move Akanji from right to center?
A few days will tell. If Acerbi maintains his level, and Inter Milan can again protect themselves with a championship-worthy wall, the team can turn the situation around. After the last two Italian derbies, the Nerazzurri conceded five goals. This is the challenge ahead.
Source: Fcinter1908