Inter’s points-per-game average has dropped off sharply since the start of 2022, from 2.4 in the first half of the season to just 1.4.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who lay bare the decline in form at the Nerazzurri, though they also suggest that there is reason for hope with Marcelo Brozovic and Stefan de Vrij set to return soon.

Despite a few wobbles, Inter’s form over the first half of the campaign looked strong enough to mount a strong Scudetto challenge, but in the second half it’s been a different story.

Especially since the beginning of February, the seven points that the Nerazzurri have taken from their last seven matches have exposed flaws that had either been concealed or not present just a couple months prior.

Chief among the issues over this period have been the failure to cope without Marcelo Brozovic, who was suspended for the 2-0 loss to Sassuolo and out injured in the team’s past two matches, 1-1 draws with Torino and Fiorentina.

The Nerazzurri have not shown themselves to have a Plan B without the 29-year-old, and even with him there has been a drop-off.

However, with nine matches in which to reassert themselves, the Nerazzurri should be able to call on Brozovic as well as defender Stefan de Vrij who has also missed their past two matches.

The pair are set to return for the away trip to Juventus on the other side of the international break, and while neither that match nor the rest of their run-in will be straightforward, it will be a chance for them to get back to their form from earlier on this season.