The international break once again left Inter sapped of energy. A side clearly low on stamina fell to their first league defeat of the season at the hands of Lazio, in a match that wasn’t without controversy.

An unsportsmanlike display from their opposition left a sour taste in the mouth of an Inter side, who’s attention must now switch to Sheriff Tiraspol.

Here’s what we learned from a tense match at the Olimpico.

1) Is There A Place For Alexis Sanchez?

Watching Joaquin Correa struggle to get his Inter career going due to little niggly injuries and with both Lautaro and Dzeko also needing the occasional rest, is there a need for Alexis Sanchez?

The Chilean forward proved a handy squad player last term at times. This year however, he is simply been cast out into the cold.

Looking at Inter’s forward line it is crystal clear that there is a little something missing compared with last year and that isn’t solely a reference to the colossal loss of Romeo Lukaku.

Until January and perhaps longer given Inter’s ailing finances, they just look internally to help address this, so why not give Alexis a go?

2) Ivan Perisic Coming To The Fore

A player cast aside and fired off to Germany by Antonio Conte.

A player also looking disinterested at points seems now to be offering a little more on the field.

Whether playing behind the striker or as a left wing back, Perisic’s experience and versatility has come in handy in the last couple of games.

His confident penalty at the weekend coupled with his stunning cross to set up Edin Dzeko’s goal against Sassuolo prove that he can add something to the side.

Out of contract in the summer and likely to depart but it appears he isn’t downing tools.

3) Battered Barella

With Juventus next up in the league and a must win Champions League game in midweek, this argument becomes tricky but here goes.

Nicolo Barella needs a rest.

The poor ex-Cagliari man looked visible drained on Saturday evening and turned in arguably his worst performance in an Inter shirt.

Barella simply looks as if every last bit of energy has been sapped from him.

A high intensity Scudetto race, the European Championships, Champions League and also irritating international breaks are showing in Barella’s legs.

Sheriff is must win but Inter should be able to do it whilst leaving Barella on the bench so he is fresh for the weekend.

4) Marcelo Brozovic’s New Contract Needs Sorting ASAP

Doesn’t matter that negotiations sometimes take a while as we know they do, the priority is simply that Mr. Epic Brozo is signed up to a new deal.

Whilst his laid back demeanour and his weird hobbies such as being a crypto expert and rally enthusiast make him quirky, he is simply the spine of Inter’s midfield.

Since the arrival of Luciano Spaletti to Inter just over four years ago, the Croatian midfielder has become a vital cog in Inter’s system.

Barella may look a little more tenacious and also being Italian does him a favour in the media, it is in-fact Marcelo Brozovic who is more vital to the structure of the side.

Marotta and co, do not let this situation burn on and cause any uncertainty. Sign him up.

5) Forget Lazio & Move On

Regardless of some unsporting behaviour, which for all tense and purposes wouldn’t have been allowed to happen if the referee had done his job, Inter weren’t good enough in Rome.

A tired leggy and clumsy performance saw them fall short which was a kick in the teeth given Milan’s fortunate win and Napoli having a straight forward looking game at home against Torino.

It is clear that the poorly timed international breaks and the elephant in the room that is the Champions League are stifling Inter from hitting the straps.

Let us also remember Inter are actually in a better position than last term when they went on to win the title.

Big picture is, win against Sheriff and then leave everything out there against the Old Lady next weekend.

Two big wins and everything is rosy ahead of much easier games in the form of Empoli and Udinese prior to the season’s first derby.

A tough defeat to take this weekend given the circumstances but it can’t be changed or altered now. Onto the next one.