Milan Skriniar’s return from COVID-19 has been key in Inter’s defence improving, an Italian broadcaster has highlight today.
Sky Sport Italia have pointed out that in the early part of the season where the Nerazzurri struggled defensively and conceded too many goals, Antonio Conte had to do without Skriniar for a long time, precisely five games in October.
Since Skriniar’s recovery and subsequent return to the team, Inter’s defensive fortunes have improved and once again the Nerazzurri defence looks watertight again like it was last season.
Inter conceded 20 goals during their first 12 games in all competitions this season, an average of 1.6 goals per game, managing to keep just two clean sheets on this poor defensive run.
In the 20 games since, in which Conte has reverted to his trusted 3-5-2 system after experimenting tactically earlier on in the campaign, they have conceded 17 goals, an average of 0.8 goals per game, half the previous rate.
The Nerazzurri have also kept eight clean sheets in this time, underlining how their newfound solidity has been pivotal to them overhauling AC Milan in Serie A.