The past final months of 2018 were a roller coaster for Inter Milan and their supporters as the team fluctuated between looking like unstoppable juggernauts and a collection of strangers who met to play football in a park. Everyone was put under a microscope with pressure mounting to right the ship. And they kind of have.
The final two matches of the year saw Inter manage 1-0 wins against both SSC Napoli and Empoli FC, but the team looked unconvincing in the process. Versus Napoli the team were lucky to not concede and managed a 91st minute goal with a man advantage. Against Empoli, the team looked disinterested and struggled to break down a defense stacked in the box. But a win is a win and just 3 points can galvanize a team and set them on a run. The upcoming Coppa Italia match will show if it’s done just that.
Upcoming Matches:
Inter Milan vs Beneveto Calcio, Sunday January 13th, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, kickoff 17:00 CET
First Team Fitness:
Radja Nainggolan: Between the move, injuries, and much talked about suspension for the match against Napoli, it’s been a wild season for Nainggolan. He made an appearance against Empoli in a substitute role and continued to play seemingly unhindered by any nagging issues. For any player on the squad, the holiday break was probably the most welcome for Nainggolan who at the very least has the opportunity to ensure he’s returned to fitness. There haven’t been any new reports so he should be available for the Coppa Italia clash.
Joao Miranda: The centerback was a late scratch against ChievoVerona and was out against Napoli and Empoli with was vaguely called a “calf problem.” Overall the club haven’t provided much detail on the injury which leads us to suspect that it isn’t anything particularly worrisome. Additionally, the winter break should have given him some time to heal up. However, every person varies so until further word from the team his status remains in the air for Sunday’s cup tie.
Marcelo Brozovic: After dealing with a suspension for accumulating too many yellow cards, the ever important midfielder is now available for the cup tie. While there haven’t been any reports of injury though, there will be a question of how much he plays, if at all, against a the Serie B side.
Avi Saini is a 27 year old medical student from California. He’s been an Inter fan since 98 after seeing the wonders of Ronaldo, who he maintains is the true greatest of all time. Avi writes a weekly medical column exclusively for SempreInter.com.
