It seems a mighty long time since we had something to write about regarding Inter and an actual fixture. Since the rapid spread of coronavirus we have had nothing to work off in terms of Serie A fixtures and the once buzzing Serie A season is starting to melt into the abyss.
We are still no wiser on the long term future of the league season in regards to whether it will actually be finished or cancelled. All we do know is we were able to see Inter travel to the Allianz Arena and take on champions Juventus with the hope of remaining in the title race.
So Near Yet So Far Away
Let us imagine that there is no coronavirus worry and the league table is as it is at this point with a certainty that the season will go on as expected last August when it kicked off.
Inter’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Juve on Sunday night leaves them nine points behind the Old Lady who sit in top spot. Although Inter do have a game in hand, they need Juve and Lazio to lose two more games than themselves and they must win all of their ten remaining games, something that will not happen in all likelihood.
So let us judge the season as a whole in terms of whether it has been a success or not judging upon this likelihood. Inter should find themselves in the Champions League next term which is a positive but they are not quite good enough to be a side capable of winning the Scudetto just yet.
They find themselves still in the Europa League and the Coppa Italia so there may be a slight chance of silverware. The team is undoubtedly in a stronger place than what it was twelve months ago and is heading in the right direction. Some canny signings in the summer window should see Conte’s side make more of a fist of the battle for top spot.
Getafe Is A Tough Draw But Inter Should Be Looking To Win The Europa League
Getafe are fresh from knocking out last season’s Champions League semi-finalists Ajax and sit fourth in La Liga. Jose Bordalas’ side have been in fine form this term and proved that their unexpected success last term was no fluke.
However, Inter should go into this tie as the favourites and be aiming to topple their Spanish counterparts.
With doubts over their domestic season it may be tough for Inter to remain as sharp and as focused but they should certainly turn their attention to Europa League glory regardless. An opportunity to win a European tournament is one that cannot be turned down especially given Inter’s glittering history in the tournament under its former name of the UEFA Cup.
Lautaro Martinez Looks A Little Lost
With all the tabloid rumours and unhelpful comments from Barcelona players past and present, Lautaro Martinez must not know exactly where to look.
The Argentinian striker has enjoyed a breakthrough year with the Nerazzuri after he bedded in last term following a move from Racing Club.
‘El Toro’ has impressed plundering 16 goals in all competitions including a brilliant strike at the Camp Nou in September in the Champions League group stage.
Following the departure of Mauro Icardi and arrival of Romelu Lukaku, Martinez now has a perfect strike partner for his game and he has more than excelled this term in front of goal drawing said interest from Barcelona.
The recent albeit fleeting views we have seen from Martinez have not quite been his best and one has begun to wonder whether or not such rumours are effecting him. Get a new contract on the table Mr Zhang..
So Good To Have Samir Handanovic Back
Some crucial saves in the first half at the Allianz on Sunday allowed Inter to go in at half time level. Gone is Padelli, who is now ironically suspended after he was sent off from the bench on Sunday, and back is Il Capitano.
Inter look a much safer prospect with Samir in between the sticks and the back four look much more comfortable. A good goalkeeper breeds confidence into his back four who look much more comfortable knowing they had him behind for protection.
Please do not get injured again Samir..
Number Five – The league matters need resolving as soon as but it will be messy..
Nobody could have predicted the madness that has been caused due to someone eating a bat.
With North Italy locked down due to the spread of coronavirus, it seems almost as if football has become an after thought in the country (which is totally understandable) but where things lie in terms of the season is something that nobody seems to truly know.
Whether the season will be cancelled or not nobody really knows and what cancellation will mean for the results of the year is something nobody quite knows either. Promotions, relegations, continental qualification and titles will be decided but how they will be done is something that we will have to wait and see with.
All Inter must do is keep themselves fresh and focus on the Europa League. That tournament seems destined to continue so they must keep their focus on Getafe and aiming to bring silverware to the San Siro for the first time in nearly a decade.
Conte and co must remain focused on what they can control.
