Five Goals Conceded In Ten Matches – “Ironclad” Defensive Record Powering Inter Milan Serie A Title Push

Inter Milan are relying on an “ironclad” defensive record as they aim to finally win the Serie A title under Simone Inzaghi.

As today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight, the Nerazzurri have let in just five goals in their first ten matches in the league.

At the moment, Inter’s defensive record is stark.

The Nerazzurri are conceding at a rate of once every other match.

There have been two matches in which Inter have conceded twice – not coincidentally the two matches in which they’ve dropped points, against Sassuolo and Bologna.

But then it’s been seven clean sheets so far.

No one player can take all or even most of the credit, certainly.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has played his part. The Swiss underlined his importance with an excellent save from Bryan Cristante to prevent Roma’s one good chance from going in over the weekend.

And the backline has certainly done their job with aplomb.

Nerazzurri coach Inzaghi has relied on, variously, Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, and Matteo Darmian to form a back three, and they have rarely looked troubled.

Lastly, the defensive structure of the team as a whole has looked rock-solid.

From the strikers to the wingbacks and midfielders, Inter have defended as a unit.

The Nerazzurri have pressed and prevented opposition teams from building anything dangerous, long before chances can arrive in the penalty area.

Inter Defensive Record A Platform For Serie A Title Push

In the past two seasons under Inzaghi, Inter have fallen short of the Serie A title.

And as the Gazzetta note, the Nerazzurri’s less-than-stellar defensive record has been part of the reason why.

But it hasn’t just been about the defense, per se. Inter’s issue has been the balance between defense and attack.

Particularly at the start of last season, the Nerazzurri struggled to get forward without leaving gaps at the back.

This time around, that hasn’t been the case.

Inter have been able to get bodies in attack. They’ve controlled space, attacked patiently, and created chances.

But none of that has been at the expense of defensive solidity.

Rather, Inzaghi and Inter have seemingly found the right tactical organization to balance things.

There has been a platform to attack for long spells without leaving big gaps.

And this, the Gazzetta argues, could be the decisive factor that allows Inter to finally win the title under Inzaghi.