Inter played Genoa at the Giussepe Meazza in what was truly a treat for Inter fans all around the world. Luciano Spalletti opted to rest many of his starters which changed several key aspects in the starting eleven that Inter fans have become accustomed to seeing. At the back Danilo D’Ambrosio was reintroduced with Dalbert starting on the other flank, the centre backs were Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar. The holding midfield role was covered by Marcelo Brozovic while Roberto Gagliardini filled in for Matias Vecino in the box-to-box role. Joao Mario started in the middle of the attacking midfield three with Ivan Perisic and Matteo Politano either side of him. Mauro Icardi was given a rest which allowed Lautaro Martinez to start.
Inter was able to dominate the entire game once again, despite many starters like Kwado Asamoah and Sime Vrsaljko being benched along with Vecino. It’s important to note that these players were missing because they produce so much going forward which allows the wingers in the three to remain free essentially outnumbering the wings when Genoa are slow to get back.
The changes in the midfield which saw Gagliardini introduced consisted of a lovely contribution of two goals. Certainly the entire club has been taken to a new level and even the rotation players feel like they have to contribute and only then can a team be truly successful; once everyone on the team is included in a clubs success and not only 11 players. Gagliardini did an absolutely excellent job fulfilling that box-to-box role, even when taking his goals out of the equation. His role in the midfield was crucial as he was able to win his 50/50 challenges, help Brozovic, carry well and play the simple passes. In regards to the second midfield change, for the second straight game, we seen Joao Mario in that number ten role. This leaves the door open to many things for Spalletti, once again, despite his goal he was able to bring important defensive support while supporting the attack. What can be possible is maybe dropping Radja down next to Brozovic and maybe leave the ten role to Joao Mario considering his three lovely assists. On paper, this would probably be one of the best options considering the way Joao Mario has come back to win the hearts of the Inter world.
Lastly, Lautaro Martinez, despite not scoring his contribution was absolutely excellent. It’s important to note that when he starts nearly everything is built through the middle. The reason for this is because of the way he drops deep into the field to pick up balls from Brozovic and his holding partner. This forces a defender to follow him and Politano and Perisic can exploit the spaces behind him, the exact situation the led to Politano’s goal and nearly gave him another.
In conclusion, Inter looked incredibly world class keeping the clean sheet and converting on a lot of their chances and can finish the weeking feeling like a five star team in seventh heaven.
