My heart rate has yet to return to its normal level following this weekend’s incredible feast of a derby in the latest rendition of the Derby Della Madonnina.
The game itself was a true spectacle and a brilliant advertisement for the vastly improving Serie A. Also, Inter won and Milan once again couldn’t topple the Nerazzuri so it’s all fun and games.
Romelu Lukaku Bleeds Black & Blue
Every week Romelu Lukaku pops into discussion and every week it is for the same old reason that he is truly one of the best strikers in world football. Fact.
Losing Icardi could have destroyed this team on the pitch and mentally with all the baggage that was brought with it but in stepped the much maligned Belgian and all those fears were washed away in no time.
After his harsh treatment at the hands of Manchester United fans, Lukaku has stepped out onto the pitch in Inter’s colours with a point to prove. It would have been easy for Lukaku to sit back and throw his dummy out of his pram after United shafted him but instead he has got himself in the shape of his career, learned the native language and become the fastest player to score twenty goals in Inter colours.
On Sunday evening he battled and got the better of Romagnoli and Kjaer and provided all the attributes of a top class striker in one goal. Strength to hold up the ball on the half way before a great through ball out wide, an instinctive run into the box to get on Moses’ cross and a bullet header to display his predatory finishing. Oh and his celebrations after the game showed more passion for his new club than Icardi ever did..Mauro who?
Inter Needs To Stop Starting Games Slowly
Let us have it straight, if Brozovic hadn’t have scored that volley out of nothing Inter would not have won that game.
Brozovic’s goal came courtesy of a woeful blocked cross cum shot from Antonio Candreva and it was just the tonic to almost wake Inter into life after they spent the entire first half asleep.
Inter can’t afford to be falling asleep in their next two away fixtures against their title rivals as they won’t necessarily get that slice of luck or be given as much respect as Milan gave them.
Lautaro Martinez needs to be straight back in and be pressing from the front and Sensi, Sanchez or Eriksen need to be acting as a support to drive between midfield and attack to get Inter on the front foot from the off.
Let us make sure we learn from this.
Daniele Padelli…
Life as a second or third choice can’t be easy. You will only play if there is an injury or suspension or a loss of form and if you are Daniele Padelli you wouldn’t be seeing Samir Handanovic out of form any time soon.
The former Torino gloveman has been thrust into action after our Captain’s finger injury and did a good job last week at Udinese but he was largely at fault for both of Milan’s goals.
His flapping at the first was amateurish and he seemed to dive out of the way of the second one. This served to demonstrate once again how lucky Inter are to have a keeper as good as Handanovic as first choice as he would have probably saved both goals from happening.
Padelli isn’t a mug. He has plenty of top flight experience but the problem is he is rusty and ultimately a better goalkeeper wouldn’t be happy sitting behind Handanovic all season but if Samir’s injury is longer term than first thought a better back up might be needed.
Emiliano Viviano has been mentioned and that wouldn’t be the worst option..
Alexis Sanchez Showing There’s A Fire In His Belly
Similar to Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez arrived in Milan with a point to prove following a battering from Manchester United and their fans.
His journey hasn’t been as glittering as Romelu’s thus far but in the past week he has shown some real bite in his play.
Following his mega money move to Manchester from Arsenal in 2018, Sanchez has seen his stock fall considerably and many have questioned his motivation so to see him busting a lung for Inter is good for thought.
His obvious disappointment at being subbed in the Derby after his sneaky run set up Inter’s leveler was refreshing as it is clear that Conte must be striking a cord in him to wake him up.
I have constantly mentioned in previous editions of this article about how he has a role to play and he seems to be starting to find it..
Inter Start Their Tough Period With A Vital Win
As mentioned in last weeks five things, Inter are entering crunch period and so far they have successfully negotiated the first task – win the Derby.
Having bragging rights over Milan is vital and getting one over on Zlatan and Pioli is a bonus too but into Napoli in midweek.
A win at San Siro could set them up for a place in the Coppa Italia final and that would represent massive progress as silverware is the aim.
Then onto Sunday away at Lazio. Juve face a comfortable tie at home against Brescia so anything that they can get would be huge. To sum up, Inter got out of jail a bit on Sunday but the fact is they negotiated the first tricky task of this month and it should set them up nicely.
Bring on Napoli and Lazio. Forza Inter. The city is ours.
