1. With Mancini’s arrival has Lady Luck returned to the Nerazzurri?

Amongst the plethora of Walter Mazzarri excuses that were repeatedly trotted out each week during his largely disappointing tenure at Inter, ‘bad luck’ was used more frequently than any other. After Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Milan it was the Rossoneri who were left using the former Inter coaches favourite alibi. If only Stephan El Shaarawy had not lost his head like an England international footballer about to take a spot kick in a penalty shootout. After being denied by the crossbar it was then pure fluke that a deflected shot bounced inches wide of Samir Handanovic’s goal post to preserve a precious point for Mancini’s men. The luck which Mazzarri so often bemoaned was certainly back in spades for Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge.

2. Making good decisions by not making decisions.

With Inter suffering on the pitch Walter Mazzarri could often be found biting bottles, talking to an assistant or muttering under his breath. Meanwhile his players were doing more harm than good. How many times did Mazzarri positively affect a game with a substitution this season? It felt like each time a change was made it either came too late or had the opposite effect than that which was intended. By not substituting Joel Obi for Hernanes until after the Nigerian had equalised Mancini got his reward. The Brazilian international looked all set to enter minutes earlier than he did but Mancini delayed his arrival just long enough for Obi to make his impact. Luck? Yes maybe but you know how the saying goes ‘I’d rather be lucky than good’.

3. Squad upheaval now inevitable and necessary.

Forget the obvious fact that a large part of this current Inter squad lack the quality needed to enter the Champions League positions and you still come to the conclusion that change is required. After the game Mancini talked about a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation stating that Kovacic and Palacio may have to ‘sacrifice’ themselves for the team. This is because the team lacks any credible options in wide offensive areas. In the second half against Milan, Inter’s movement became, stagnant and predictable. Too often Mancini’s defenders were being forced into short difficult passes in confined areas or aimlessly hoofing the ball into spaces with no Inter player in sight. The full backs did their best but after a while this type of football becomes one dimensional. Not only this but it negatively impacts upon the likes of Hernanes and Kovacic, players who can pick a pass but currently have limited options.

4. The problems in defence won’t be solved by a number.

Many Interisti were glad to see the back of Walter Mazzarri’s three man backline. After just a solitary training session Roberto Mancini disposed of the old system and brought in a four man defensive scheme. Yesterday evening provided a timely reminder that defensive cohesion is about far more than the number of players stood in any particular area. Juan Jesus and Andrea Ranocchia were shredded for El Shaarawy’s chance which fortunately ended up over Handanovic’s crossbar. Inter were unable to reset after Joel Obi’s costly mistake in midfield which finally lead to Menez’s calm finish (he was in an acre of space). In the final ten minutes the Nerazzurri backline dropped deeper and deeper causing more problems rather than giving solutions. It is simply not enough to ‘get behind the ball’. Juan Jesus seemed to recognise this afterwards whilst discussing his own performance. The Brazilian international stated that positioning was something he expected to be working on with Mancini and his coaching team. Vidic-Juan Jesus, Ranocchia-Vidic, Ranocchia-Juan Jesus or even the reintroduction of Hugo Campagnaro are all options Mancini will be considering to provide solidity to the team.

5. Great to see the San Siro full

Gone are the days of Ronaldo, Zanetti, Maldini & Kaka but making a welcome return is the passion of the fans. The stadium was packed and despite this morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport labelling it the ‘Little derby’ a lack of quality didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the fans. Drums, megaphones and many of the derogatory songs were back in full force and this made a pleasant change from the lifeless derbies we’ve been accustomed to in recent years. It’s difficult to tell if Inzaghi and Mancini can haul these two Milanese giants back to where they belong but it’s clear the fans will back them as they try.

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