Legendary AC Milan player Alessandro Costacurta has shared his belief that Inter could well be suffering from the fact they are having to play without fans in the stands.
“It is true that Inter have dropped off in terms of tension and intensity. In a certain sense, the empty stadium does not allow for ferocious concentration and attention. The fans give adrenaline that raise the concentration and attention of players,” he explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia via video link, late last night.
Costacurta proceeded to come to the defence of Inter manager Antonio Conte, who has come in for some criticism from sections of the media given Inter’s less than desirable start to the 2020/21 season with them having won just three of their nine games.
“It is also true that Inter have changed their philosophy and personally I do not agree with the criticism aimed at Antonio, all the teams have problems.”
Costacurta, who spent his entire career on the books of AC Milan, then spoke on Inter attacking midfielder and the struggles that he is having in fitting into the tactics that Conte is using.
The Danish national team player has struggled to play to expectations since his arrival at the club from Tottenham Hotspur and Costacurta has highlighted a big difference between him playing and Nicolo Barella playing.
“Antonio is trying to propose something different, even with Eriksen he is trying hard but at the moment it is not working.
“Eriksen has upset the tactic, Conte is right to try to insert him but in my opinion having him in the defensive phase is different than having a Barella.”