Italian journalist Ivan Zazzaroni feels that the turnaround in fortunes at Inter in recent weeks cannot be primarily attributed to Andre Onana starting in goal.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, Zazzaroni suggested that improvements in fitness and form of other key players in the Nerazzurri squad had more to do with the team’s improvement as a whole than the Cameroonian did.
Onana has taken the place of Samir Handanovic in Inter’s goal in recent matches.
This has coincided with the team finally putting together a string of good performances and results for the first time all season.
This has led some observers to feel that the influence of the 26-year-old in goal has led to improved performances as a whole during the period.
Particularly, the fact that Handanovic made a few high-profile errors led to some arguing that Onana’s starting has been decisive.
However, Zazzaroni feels that this is more a coincidence than anything, and that there are other more important factors in play.
Asked if he thinks that Onana’s role has been a turning point for the Nerazzurri, Zazzaroni replied “No, I hardly think so, it’s been the fitness and form of Barella, Calhanoglu finding a role that he’s thriving in, an easy opponent in the form of Salernitana, there are many factors.”
He continued that “Onana is fine but it’s not like he made huge saves against Barcelona, a goalkeeper doesn’t change the substance of the team, Inter are growing, now they have more confidence.”
“They played an excellent game in Barcelona but the goalkeeper conceded three goals against Barcelona,” he noted.
Zazzaroni also gave his thoughts on Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, stating that “He’s an excellent coach, he won’t be Conte, still, once the players got back to full fitness he got a 1-0 victory over Barcelona with a defensive performance like we saw from him at Lazio.”
