Inter’s journey to becoming the team they are now began with their reverse fixture against Saturday’s opponents Sassuolo, according to an Italian media report today.
Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition argued that while the Nerazzurri did beat Torino the week before their 3-0 victory at the Mapei Stadium, the real turning point was the match against Roberto De Zerbi’s side who were in great form at that point.
Inter dominated the game from a tactical point of view as Antonio Conte returned to the 3-5-2 system which served him well last season, getting rid of the no. 10 position and making sure his side were very hard to break down.
Conte has not looked back since and now Inter are ready to face Sassuolo again with a nine-point lead at the top of Serie A.
Gazzetta’s report highlighted how several Inter players have made huge improvements between the two fixtures against the Neroverdi.
Marcelo Brozovic has returned to being the team’s undisputed playmaker, while Nicolo Barella has become a splendid box-to-box midfielder and Arturo Vidal has often performed to an appreciable level.
Ivan Perisic and Achraf Hakimi have also found their feet after slow starts to the season, but the real change since then according to the Milanese publication’s report is Christian Eriksen.
It took Eriksen 12 months to start doing well at Inter but he has become the quality player that Conte needed for the final step of growth.
