Inter Milan searching for answers after recent dip in form

Injuries and fatigue affect Chivu’s team

Beyond the refereeing controversies in the 1–1 draw with Atalanta, Inter Milan are now being forced to reflect on a difficult period in terms of performances and results.

Coach Cristian Chivu will resume training with the squad at the Pinetina training centre on Tuesday, but the Nerazzurri know they must analyse the recent dip that has cost them part of the advantage they previously built in the league.

A run that slowed Inter Milan down

According to Sky Sport via Fcinter1908, the team’s struggles in recent weeks have coincided with the absences of two key players: Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Without them, Inter Milan have not looked like the dominant side that earlier in the season recorded 14 wins and one draw in 15 league matches, before the defeat in the derby against AC Milan.

Reporter Matteo Barzaghi explained the situation during Sky Sport’s coverage:

“The team is a bit tired mentally and physically. They tried to react against Atalanta but made a few too many mistakes. It wasn’t a negative performance, but this is clearly not their most brilliant moment.”

Mixed results since the Bodo elimination

Inter Milan’s current run began after their Champions League exit against Bodo/Glimt.

Since that double clash, the Nerazzurri have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat across league and cup competitions:

• Wins against Lecce and Genoa
• A draw against Como in Coppa Italia
• A derby defeat to AC Milan
• The recent draw with Atalanta

More than the results themselves, it is the performances that have raised concerns, with visible fatigue affecting the team on the pitch.

Lack of goals from the attack

In the first leg against Bodo/Glimt, Chivu also lost captain Lautaro Martínez to a calf injury, and his absence has been heavily felt.

Since then, Inter Milan’s forwards have struggled to produce goals. The only goal scored by a striker during this period came from Francesco Pio Esposito in the draw against Atalanta.

Meanwhile, Ange-Yoan Bonny no longer appears as sharp as he was earlier in the season, and Marcus Thuram last scored in Serie A on February 8 against Sassuolo.

Lautaro and Calhanoglu set to return

Lautaro is close to returning from his calf injury, but Inter Milan’s medical staff do not intend to rush him back. 

The Argentine striker could return for the upcoming match against Fiorentina, provided there is no risk of relapse.

Calhanoglu is also expected to be available again for that match in Florence. His return could be crucial, as the Turkish midfielder adds creativity and tactical balance alongside Piotr Zielinski in midfield.

However, there is a new concern for Inter Milan: Henrikh Mkhitaryan left the match against Atalanta with a muscular issue that will be evaluated in the coming days.

For Chivu and Inter Milan, the next matches will therefore be crucial to rediscover rhythm, energy and the form that earlier in the season made them one of the most dominant teams in Italian football.