Why Inter Milan struggle in big matches: Gazzetta’s four key factors

From direct clashes to senior players under scrutiny, an in-depth look at Inter Milan’s recurring problems

Analyses are multiplying. Inter Milan have been knocked out of the Supercoppa Italiana in yet another major showdown of the season, eliminated on penalties that were taken poorly, once again highlighting a team swinging between highs and lows. Too many lows.

La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 examined Inter Milan’s current situation and identified four key areas that help explain the team’s dips in form and ongoing difficulties within the Nerazzurri environment.

Mentality shift and the weight on the “Senators”

The way Inter Milan explain themselves has changed. Even the words used by Mkhitaryan to describe the current moment reflect a shift in tone.

“Behind Inter Milan’s failure to win trophies there is a touch of presumption. The team felt invincible and beautiful to watch, fueled by deserved successes against Bayern Munich and Barcelona. 

Beyond the market or Inzaghi’s 2024/25 version, which has its share of blame, fingers can be pointed at the players,” writes the Milan-based daily.

“Some of them are the same core of the Italy national team that conceded seven goals to Norway in two matches: Bastoni, Dimarco and Barella. 

Strong players, but at times it has been precisely them, the blue-and-black pillars, who have fallen short, with Calhanoglu, Acerbi and others also involved. Responsibility must be shared between both coaches,” adds La Gazzetta.

The transfer market

Last season, Taremi arrived on a free transfer, scored three goals (two from penalties), and left after just one year. Palacios, signed for €6.5 million (£5.6 million), was loaned out to Monza, recalled, and has made just three appearances for Inter Milan.

Zielinski was revitalized by Chivu after a season plagued by physical issues, then redeemed and sold to Atalanta. Inter Milan spent €20 million (£17.2 million) on Diouf, a deal described as “judgment suspended” by the paper.

On other signings, the verdict is mixed: “Luis Henrique has had several off days, but he deserves time. Akanji, Bonny and the return of Pio Esposito from loan have been positive. As for Sucic, is he a good player? Yes. Has he made the difference so far? Not yet.”

Perhaps, the paper suggests, a top-level centre-back and a goalkeeper ready to succeed Sommer were needed. That said, Pepo Martinez, the Swiss keeper’s replacement, has performed well whenever called upon.

Direct clashes, blackouts and a costly habit

“For almost two years, Inter Milan have not beaten Juventus, Milan or Napoli. The last win against Milan dates back to April 22, 2024, the derby of the second star. Since then, across league and cup competitions, the Nerazzurri have failed to land another blow on their city rivals.”

The same applies to Juventus and Napoli, who defeated Inter Milan 3–1 this season. While Inter Milan have beaten Atalanta (twice), Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Lazio and Roma in the last 18 months, they have not beaten Bologna since March 2024.

The so-called “big-team syndrome” mainly affects clashes with the three domestic rivals. The last victory against Napoli came on January 22, 2024, in the Supercoppa Italiana final in Riyadh, while the last win over Juventus dates back to February 4, 2024, both during the Scudetto season.

Then there are the late-game blackouts that have cost points and trophies.

The first of the year came in Riyadh, with goals by Pulisic and Abraham scored in the final ten minutes. Across the whole of 2025, Inter Milan have conceded 20 goals from the 75th minute onward, more than 20 percent of the total. Four of these came under Chivu’s management.

Among the most notorious episodes in the last 18 months are Orsolini’s overhead kick in Bologna, Yildiz last season, Adzic this year, Gabbia in the derby loss, Mukiele in the Champions League against Leverkusen, Pulisic and Abraham in the Supercoppa, and Pedro’s decisive penalty in the 2–2 draw with Lazio that cost the title.

This season alone, Gimenez and Szoboszlai have also scored late against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Without these lapses, the Nerazzurri would have two more points. 

Added to this are blown leads, such as Parma last season and Udinese and Bologna in Riyadh this year.