Inter Milan’s self-examination: creativity without results

Despite strong play and abundant chances, Inter Milan struggle to turn dominance into victories as focus now shifts to Pisa

Inter Milan are questioning their current moment: the team continues to create play and chances, but fails to reap what it sows. Now the focus is on Pisa, with the goal of returning to victory.

“The problems of this Inter Milan—trying to play with a higher defensive line and press the opponent even though it doesn’t have the right players to do so consistently—have been dragging on since last season, just like the ups and downs of Çalhanoğlu, the key man. 

And despite the effort, both on the pitch and in communication, Chivu is not reversing the trend of a team that hasn’t beaten Milan in 6 matches, Napoli in 4, or Juventus in 3. 

A team that creates a lot and even had dominant stretches in Madrid, but suffers from two clear imbalances: a terrible ratio between shots faced and goals conceded (second-to-last in Serie A), signalling an underperforming goalkeeper; and a relationship between chances created and goals scored that doesn’t reflect the volume of production,” analyzes Corriere della Sera via Fcinter1908.

Chivu’s choices, market Signals, and a team searching for balance

“Chivu’s decision—who in Madrid also deployed a fourth central defender by starting Akanji in the role—can also be seen as a signal ahead of the transfer market. 

While awaiting Mkhitaryan’s return, who rejoined the group yesterday, there is also the question of whether Diouf’s promising 10 minutes in the derby will have a follow-up. 

What is certain is that the ‘22 starters’ do not exist, and trust in certain players (including Frattesi) is shaky. The club’s confidence in Chivu, reinforced by president Marotta before the trip to Madrid, is not shaky. 

But between December 6 and January 20, Inter Milan will face Como, Liverpool, the Supercoppa semifinal against Bologna, Atalanta, Bologna again, Napoli, and Arsenal. Actions are needed, not words—and trust in the project.”