Inter’s sparkling form in Serie A is a result of the Nerazzurri’s quicker starts to games, a report in the Italian media argued today.
Corriere dello Sport’s print edition said one of the key improvements Antonio Conte’s side had made since the first half of the season concerned their sluggish starts, which would often see them fall a goal behind.
Inter have won five of their last six matches in the league and in all five they have opened the scoring in the first half.
“Once upon a time Inter were late out of the blocks,” the Rome-based publication recalled.
“They would sleep through the first half and go behind, perhaps two goals behind, before waking up after half-time.
“Starting fast makes all the difference for the Nerazzurri, because Romelu Lukaku and co. are lethal when they have the chance to sit deep and hit teams on the counterattack.”
CdS highlighted Inter’s recent wins in Serie A over Juventus and Lazio as proof of their lightning getaways, with Arturo Vidal breaking the deadlock against the Bianconeri after just 12 minutes at San Siro.
Lukaku opened the scoring against Simone Inzaghi’s men after 22 minutes on February 14 while Lautaro Martinez needed only five minutes to score in Sunday’s derby against AC Milan.
“From that moment onwards Inter could play in their comfort zone, without taking too many risks and threatening to increase their lead,” the report concluded, in reference to the 3-0 win over the Rossoneri.
It is a stark difference from the first few games of the season, when Inter were falling behind to the likes of Fiorentina, Parma and Torino and making life very hard for themselves.
