Questions must be asked about the number of goals Inter are letting in this season, at least in the eyes of noted Italian football journalist Matteo Marani.

Antonio Conte’s side are conceding at a higher rate than they did last season, having been breached 21 times in 16 games compared to just 14 at this stage 12 months ago.

The Nerazzurri have also conceded a concerning number of goals in matches against Serie A’s lesser sides, with another two conceded in the 2-1 defeat at Sampdoria yesterday.

“Inter had bad luck against Samp, it is true, but we cannot trace everything back to that,” Marani insisted whilst present in the studios of Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia today.

“A trend has been consolidated: unless Inter sit back and keep things tight, their defence struggles.

“They have conceded four goals in their matches against Crotone and Sampdoria, who are certainly not two of the most noble sides in our league, and questions must be raised.”

Marani then went on to speak on the decline of Samir Handanovic, who is no longer performing how he was in the past.

“Handanovic is no longer making a difference as he did in previous seasons, his miracles are missing,” Marani added.

“Lastly, I would add that the team cannot always think about going behind and then hoping to recover, even with a great wealth of options on the bench.”

Inter remain only one point behind league leaders AC Milan after the Rossoneri also lost at home to Juventus last night.

Conte’s men now face tricky matches against Roma and Juventus before finishing the first half of their league campaign away to Udinese on 24 January.