Inter took a giant leap towards the Scudetto with two hard fought wins this week.
An important win at the Ennio Tardini over Parma on Thursday evening ,thanks to a double from Alexis Sanchez, was then followed up by a 1-0 win at home to high flying Atalanta.
Inter looked tired and feeling the effects of a hectic schedule, but they still managed to secure six vital points in their quest for Scudetto glory.
Here’s what we learned from a vital week for Inter.
1. Arturo Vidal Must Not Start In Big Games
Arturo Vidal proved once again against Atalanta that against high brow opponents he shouldn’t be in the starting XI.
Clumsy, pedestrian and lacking pace, the Chilean saw himself withdrawn early in the second period for Christian Eriksen who proved a better fit.
A laboured display from the Chilean showed that age is perhaps beginning to catch up with him as a lack of match sharpness also clearly affected the midfielder.
Based on current form, Eriksen must start.
2. Some Players In Need Of A Rest Against Torino
This may seem risky as a trip to a side battling for their lives beckons, but a few players could do with a rest when Inter face Toro.
Achraf Hakimi, Ivan Perisic and even Romelu Lukaku look totally spent after the recent run of games and should Conte see fit, all three should be given a rest.
A big opportunity could come up for some of Inter’s fringe players to stake a claim for a part in the Scudetto charge should they prove adequate replacements for the aforementioned trio.
The risk is Inter losing some momentum but most importantly they need to look after their key men and not burn them out.
3. Milan Skriniar Is Colossal
It feels like the Slovakian gets a mention every week at the moment but his outstanding recent form simply cannot go unrecognised.
The centre back trio have gone from strength to strength this term, with their partnership helping Inter start their winning cycle.
Whilst Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan De Vrij have been excellent, Skriniar has been on another level at times recently and his winner over Atalanta could be a goal of seismic proportions.
To think Inter considered selling him in the summer, if reports are to be believed.
4. Primavera Talent Nikola Iliev Looking The Real Deal
Bulgarian attacking midfielder Nikola Iliev is currently earning rave reviews for his excellent performances for the Primavera side.
The 16 year old was picked out by boss Armando Madonna for his display in the side’s 3-1 win over Lazio at the weekend.
Madonna was highly effusive in his praise for the youngster’s dedication in training and hinted that a recent growth spurt has had an impact.
The Primavera side currently sit two points off top side Roma in the quest for the championship, and it appears Iliev could play a part in a late surge for glory.
5. Inter Come Through A Tough Period On A High
Despite exiting the Coppa Italia, the past month has been hugely successful for the Nerazzuri.
Wins over Lazio, Atalanta and Milan in clutch games have kept the pazza genetics at bay.
Hard fought wins over the likes of Parma and Fiorentina have also showcased Inter’s willingness to win ugly.
A more favourable run of games now awaits Conte’s men as they enter the final dozen games of the season with a six point lead at the summit.
The decision for Conte is whether he risks resting players in the worry that it could cause a crash in momentum.
Torino next will be a test given their predicament so the manager will have a choice to make. With Milan taking on Napoli too there is also the added incentive that they could drop points in what is a tough fixture.
As we begin March and the next sequence of games, Inter find themselves in great shape and staring down the home straight at the Scudetto trophy.