Just one point in 3 games and a goal in 4 matches for Inter, so everyone can agree that things have been a little rough lately for the once table topping Nerazzurri. They will face Fiorentina, who are unbeaten in their previous 7 games, at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Using WhoScored.com stats SempreInter.com have previewed the last game before the winter break tonight.
Attack:
The Nerazzurri have been goal shy in recent games, averaging 1.8 goals per game from 16 shots per game up against Fiorentina’s 1.5 goals per game from 17.2 shots per game. Inter have recorded 34 goals in 19 rounds: 22 from open plays, 7 from set piece, 4 from the spot and just 1 counter attack goal. Viola have racked up 28 goals, Giovanni Simeone is Pioli’s men top marksman with 6 goals.
Defence:
Inter are the 3rd best defensive side in the league after Napoli and Roma, conceding 14 goals from 12.1 shots per game. The Nerazzurri have average 15.8 tackles per game and 10.3 interceptions per game. Gagliardini averages 1.5 interceptions per game while Skriniar averages the most clearances per game, blocks per game and tackles per game (excluding D’Ambrosio and Miranda: both are out of this game through injury) with 4.8, 0.6 and 2.3 respectively. The Viola have conceded 20 goals from the 10.6 shots per game they have allowed this season.
Moving The Ball:
Inter have made 495 short passes per game, 49 long balls per game and just 1 through ball per game. Inter makes use of the right hand side in attacking more than any other zone, 40% of their offensive plays originates from there. The Nerazzurri have recorded 54.5% average possession and 85.3% pass accuracy. They also have 8.5 dribbles per game and 28 crosses per game. Skriniar has the best pass success in the team with 91.3% while Borja Valero averages the most passes per game with 64.5. Candreva has 2.6 crosses per game and 3.2 key passes per game, the highest among his colleagues. Meanwhile Fiorentina average 53% possession and 82.5% pass accuracy.
Whoscored Rating Leaders:
Statistically Perisic (7.46), Icardi (7.35) and Skriniar (7.32) still remains Inter’s best three performers. Veretout (7.12), Astori (7.11) and Biraghi (7.11) are Viola’s highest rated players in Serie A this season.
Conclusion:
As the first half of the season comes to a close Inter are 3rd in the standings with 11 points better than last season at the same stage. The team has improved a lot despite recent setbacks, defensively they look solid (3rd best defensive side). Much credit to summer signing Milan Skriniar, who has made the most recoveries (297) in 2017. The Nerazzurri are the only side in the league yet to receive a red card and have not conceded a goal from set piece this season. The team has the league’s leading goalscorer and top assist maker: Icardi (17) and Candreva (8). Inter closed the first half of the season in top 5 in the league rankings of pass accuracy, possession, aerial duels won and of course team ratings.
Can Inter get back to winning ways? Do you have a stat you want us to highlight? Discuss in the comments below.
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