It is in difficult times when you learn the most about your weaknesses and current situation. This was the case for Inter this week, where in just a couple of days we offered one of the worst performances against Torino and got knocked out of a Coppa Italia against Lazio. I even managed to list 15 aspects which I think Inter learned from this horrible week.

1. Nainggolan Has Been A Flop

Unfortunately this is the truth, and something which no one ever thought would happen. Reason being that even if the Ninja manages to find his form in the latter part of the season, he failed when it really mattered, that is for the Champions League final matches and Coppa Italia. Only a success in Europa League will question again this judgement on the Belgian, but I highly doubt that.

2. Handanovic Still Among Europe’s Elite

As our goalkeeper gets older, in some matches we may complain about some reactions such as the slow-motion lob we conceded against Torino. But the Coppa Italia fixture reinstated him as one of Europe’s best with some impeccable saves. If you’re not sure, see his one-on-one save against Lazio’s Caicedo. Stuff of great keepers.

3. Inter Not Playing As A Team

In 2019 Inter’s form in the league has been disastrous. One point from six and no goals scored. It’s evident that lack of teamwork is now severely affecting our goal-scoring chances. Who can remember the last goal which came from a fluid action of more than two players?

4. We’ve Been Betrayed

The way how Perisic and Miranda acted during the last week of the January transfer window was simply unacceptable, trying to force a premature exit from the Nerazzurri. More so when one considers the delicate stage of the season we’re currently in. The message of Inter fans is unequivocal: those who don’t want to wear our shirt should simply stay out.

5. But Perisic Is Still Needed

Having said that, it is hard to imagine Inter without Perisic for the remainder of the season, especially since Keita is injured, Politano is suspended, and Candreva is Candreva.

6. Oh Karamoh…

Which reminds me of how much convenient would it be for us if we still had Karamoh in our ranks rather than loaned out. In dismal performances such as Sassuolo, Torino and even Lazio Karamoh’s flair and burst of pace would have done us much good.

7. Lautaro Is Not Yet Ready

Speaking of young strikers, Lautaro may have the number 10 shirt but he’s not yet ready. I’m sure he will be an explosive striker in the near future, but he must be left in tranquillity to develop and mature as should be. We cannot always place our hopes on Lautaro to alter a negative game. Regardless of his father’s monthly twitter rant.

8. Why Complain Over Icardi?

I really can’t understand the continuous attacks on our captain. Even more, I cannot understand even further how Inter fans fall for tricks and unjust journalism from Italian media. So what if he doesn’t touch many balls? I never saw Higuain, Piatek, Dzeko, and Milik among others being judged on how many passes they do. They were always judged by their goals, and Icardi has even managed to rise among Inter’s top 10 goal-scorers of all time. Icardi has also grown more mature, how many players would have easily converted a penalty kick at the 122 minute of a do-or-die fixture?

9. Strong Mental Leaders

I may have mentioned it in previous articles but the games against Torino, Sassuolo and Lazio reinforce the need to say it again: we need strong mental leaders. Here I’m not referring to top players who can change the course of the game in one swift action, but to players who are mentally ready to play under huge pressure. Who are ready to play without fearing they might commit an error. We cannot await for eternity for players like Gagliardini, Candreva, and Dalbert to show us they can cope.

10. The Magical Joao Mario

The use of the adjective ‘magical’ does not refer to his performances, but rather his unique talent of disappearing and then appearing again as he likes during a game. Now you see him, now you don’t. He is a technical dribbler of great quality, but I don’t think he is the type of soldier that Inter need to win future battles.

11. Thank God For Epic Brozovic

It has been clear for months now that the Croatian midfielder has become the mind of how Inter operates on the pitch through his vision. The Lazio game also showed he matured in terms of nervousness by keeping his head cool when the game was becoming too hot to handle. Once again, the World Cup runner-up was one of the few who performed heroically and to score even more points, was the first player to apologise for the Lazio debacle even if he personally didn’t have to.

12. Thank You Vecino, But…

It is never easy to judge Vecino with a neutral mind. After all, he was the player who gave us the best memories to cherish with the last-gasp winners against Lazio in May (which meant Champions League qualification) and against Tottenham. And we’re forever grateful. But recent performances also uncovered his technical limits. I would say that he is still needed at Inter, but not necessarily as a midfield starter all year round.

13. Thirst For Silverware

Nonetheless, the truth remains one: we got knocked out in a competition which offered us the most concrete possibility of lifting a silverware after 8 long years. Especially since Juventus, Napoli and Roma got all knocked out. This isn’t a dilemma which will go easily this time.

14. Conte’s Walk Is More Than That

I found it very strange that in such a delicate period Antonio Conte was spotted walking in Milan. While I don’t believe Italian media that Conte even met Inter representatives, it is no secret that Marotta had a great collaboration with Conte at Juventus and his fiery management may well be what our players need to give their best at all times.

15. What Future?

Until a few weeks ago I didn’t imagine myself saying this, but a disastrous season may still be on the cards if Inter don’t get their act together as quickly as possible. With the chaos surrounding the club right now and a fourth-place finish which is not so secure as it appeared, this is quite a possibility especially if Milan and Lazio are re-emerging and recovering from a lackluster first half of the season. We need a strong and immediate reaction from our players.

James J Piscopo is a journalist based in Malta. At 27 years old, he has been following Inter for more than two decades. He writes a weekly editorial exclusively for SempreInter.com.