Sunday afternoon’s lacklustre 1-0 defeat at the hands of Torino proved that Inter remain an entirely different proposition when they are forced to take to the field without January signing Rafinha.
The Brazilian was left on the substitutes bench by Luciano Spalletti due to concerns over his ability to play again so soon after the Derby della Madonnina last week.
Indeed, the Nerazzurri’s positive streak of results began with Rafinha as a starter against Benevento and ended with him on the sidelines against Toro. Between those two matches, the team won three and drew two, conceding no goals in the process.
Tactically, he has become a vital component of Luciano Spalletti’s 4-2-3-1 formation, offering a fluidity to the attack which is difficult to replicate without him on the pitch.
Borja Valero has completely different characteristics and is unable to play with the same urgency and attacking intent as his teammate. It is no coincidence that Inter were unable to penetrate the Granata’s defence without Rafinha to do so.
