Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin feels that Inter coach Simone Inzaghi could well be playing for his future in this evening’s Champions League round of sixteen second leg against Porto.
Writing in his column for Italian broadcaster SportItalia, Biasin suggested that this evening’s match at the Estadio do Dragao could prove to be a turning point for a coach who has looked embattled and under-fire at points throughout the season.
Despite the fact that Inzaghi signed a contract extension with Inter just last summer, which took the former Lazio coach’s deal with the Nerazzurri to the end of June 2023, the way that the season has unfolded has raised doubts about whether or not he will see out the full duration.
Friday’s Serie A defeat away to Spezia was only the latest match which saw fresh uncertainty and another wave of criticism directed at the job that the 46-year-old has been doing in charge of Inter.
This evening’s match against Porto could well be an opportunity to decisively respond to these doubts and criticisms.
However, on the other hand, it could be a match that finally pushes the club in the direction of replacing Inzaghi at the end of the season.
“This evening’s match is no laughing matter for Inter, because practically everything is at stake for them,” Biasin writes.
“It’s not just about the sporting glory, it would also mean their ‘cousins’ Milan not getting to rub it in their faces that they failed to go as far in the competition.”
“Moreover, at stake is prize money worth €20 million, which would be virtually priceless given the club’s financial situation,” Biasin notes.
“It also means trying to keep the media circus at bay after last week’s embarrassing defeat in La Spezia,” he goes on.
“Yes, this could be the decisive match for Inter, and above all, for Inzaghi, who has looked on the edge for some time, and could well face the final push here.”
