Inter’s athletic coach Fabio Ripert has had a vital role to play in the team coming back into form from what has threatened to become an insurmountable crisis, and doing so at the most gruelling part of their season.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who note how the 49-year-old has been key to Simone Inzaghi getting the Nerazzurri ticking again with newfound energy during such a congested fixture list.
Recent matches against Benfica, Empoli, and Juventus have seen Inter put in good technical and tactical performances, but just as important if not more so has been the team’s resurgent physicality.
There has been a sense that the Nerazzurri have been able to be first to second balls, known when to ratchet up the tempo, and have never lost their defensive shape or focus even under immense pressure.
The fact that this has come at a moment in the season when the team’s energy has been taxed more than ever, with three competitions demanding their attention and physical exertion, is certainly worthy of mention.
The use of squad rotation by coach Inzaghi has been an important factor in getting the team through this intense schedule, as he has had to try and figure out when to rest certain players with the team now playing twice a week.
However, just as important according to the Corriere has been the work of Ripert.
The athletic coach has been a trusted member of Inzaghi’s staff for over a decade, having followed the coach through various levels of Lazio’s youth team before making the switch to the Nerazzurri during the summer of 2021 along with Inzaghi.
Never has the 49-year-old been given a more demanding job that keeping the players fresh and full of energy at this absolutely intense climax to Inter’s season.
However, far from finding his methods exposed, Ripert has risen to the occasion, as he has been able to keenly read the needs of the Nerazzurri’s squad and give them a second wind right at the point when they need it most.
