Inter Milan must fix defense to keep title hopes alive

After conceding 11 goals in 8 games, Inter Milan faces warning signs as Chivu evaluates the back line ahead of the season’s crucial stretch

The figure to reflect on is the number of goals conceded. Inter Milan knows well that something needs to be corrected to keep aiming for the top. While things up front continue to go relatively well, the team has struggled too much defensively.

This is inevitably highlighted when compared with the years under Simone Inzaghi, as reported by Tuttosport via Fcinter1908 in today’s edition. It reads:

“The current Inter Milan, with 11 goals conceded after just 8 matchdays, is significantly above average, considering the final projection is 52. 

The burden was increased by the 7 goals conceded in matches against Torino (with Juventus) and Napoli. However, this represents a warning signal for Chivu. Every time the level of the opponents increased, the team leaked goals (the only exception being at the Olimpico against Roma, when it was a miracle that Sommer managed to keep a clean sheet).

Comparison with Inzaghi’s years highlights defensive struggles and the urgent need to stabilize the team

The comparison with the 4 Inzaghi years—when, in terms of personnel, the defensive line was not much different from the players Chivu has at his disposal—shows that only in 2022-23 did Inter Milan have worse numbers after 8 matchdays (12 points and 13 goals conceded). 

In the end, the team finished third with 72 points (and 42 goals conceded) without ever truly contending for the title (Inzaghi consoled himself by winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa di Lega, also reaching the Champions League final; this shows that the season’s overall evaluation often goes beyond league performance).

Above average, but positively, was the season of the second star (19 points and 5 goals conceded after 8 matchdays, ending with 94 points and 22 goals conceded). 

It is worth noting that Inzaghi outperformed Chivu both in 2021-22, his first year at Inter Milan (same goals conceded after 8 games, 11, but with two more points: 17), and in his farewell season. 

Even last year, Inter Milan had 17 points after the eighth matchday, having conceded 9 goals.”