Two-speed Inter Milan: brilliant attack, fragile defence

Chivu’s side lead Serie A thanks to firepower, but defensive numbers raise concerns in the Scudetto race

If Inter Milan’s attack is flying and producing eye-catching numbers, the same cannot be said for the defence. 

Chivu’s Inter Milan are moving at two different speeds, and if the Nerazzurri truly want to bring home the Scudetto, defensive adjustments will be unavoidable.

The data, highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908, paint a clear picture. 

Inter Milan boast the best attacking unit in Serie A, yet only the fifth-best defence, a back line that struggled significantly last night against Højlund and his teammates.

Inter Milan: Best attack in the league, but goals conceded raise red flags

As La Gazzetta writes:

“If  Inter Milan are top of the table at this stage of the season, it is thanks more to their attack than their defence.”

The Nerazzurri score more than anyone else in the league, but concede more than several direct rivals. In raw numbers:

• 42 goals scored, 12 more than Milan and Napoli
• 17 goals conceded, the same as third-placed Napoli
• More goals allowed than Juventus, Lazio, AC Milan, Como, and Roma

In short, the league leaders currently own only the fifth-best defence in Serie A.

History sends a warning

The statistical trend becomes even more telling when looking at recent title winners.

“In the last five seasons, the Scudetto has usually been won by the team leading the table at this stage with an extremely low average of goals conceded,” Gazzetta notes.

Examples are striking:

• Last season, Napoli had conceded just 12 goals after 20 matchdays and went on to win the title.
• The year before, during Inter Milan’s second-star campaign, the Nerazzurri had allowed only 10 goals at the same point.
• Previously, Napoli again had conceded 15 goals after 20 games.

There are exceptions, but they come with lessons. In 2021–22, Inter Milan had already conceded 17 goals after 20 matches, exactly the same number as this season, yet despite leading the league, the title ultimately went to AC Milan.

Conversely, in 2020–21, AC Milan topped the table with 23 goals conceded, but it was Inter Milan who celebrated at the end of the season.

Balance will decide the title

The message is clear: goals win matches, but defence often wins championships. Inter Milan’s attacking brilliance is carrying them to the top, but if Chivu’s side want to turn momentum into silverware, tightening the defensive phase will be the next crucial step.

The Scudetto race is still open, and for Inter Milan, finding balance between flair and solidity may prove decisive.