Simone Inzaghi learning how to “win ugly” has powered the Nerazzurri to the top of the Serie A table ahead of Juventus.
This is the verdict in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter did not get their most convincing win of the season against Fiorentina on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri had to dig deep and defend in front of their own penalty area for the majority of the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
And at the other end of the pitch, good chances were few and far between.
Inter had some promising counterattacking situation. But the finesse and final ball were not really there to take advantage of them.
Perhaps before this season, this would have been an example of a match in which Inter drop some frustrating points.
Particularly without important midfielders like Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu available, the Nerazzurri were not able to play at their fluid, frenetic best.
But on Sunday in Tuscany, Inzaghi demonstrated that he can get Inter to win when they don’t play at their best.
Simone Inzaghi “Winning Ugly” Has Inter Top Of Serie A Table
For most of this season, Inter have won by playing relatively stylish football.
The broad consensus is that the Nerazzurri – who have scored the most goals in Serie A and conceded the fewest – are the outstanding team in the Italian top flight when at their best.
But that has not prevented Juventus from keeping pace with Inter all season long.
The Bianconeri have found their own way to win. And they have won relentlessly.
At least until Saturday, when Max Allegri’s men stumbled at home against relegation-battlers Empoli.
Inter knew what this meant. A victory in Florence would see the Nerazzurri take top spot in the table.
And Inzaghi’s players played for the win – even if they had to do so without their usual sense of style and panache.