Clear Signs Of The “Real” Inter Milan Show Through In Friendly Clash Vs Chelsea

There were clear signs of the “real” Inter Milan in yesterday’s final friendly match of preseason against Chelsea.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They argue that Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi has little reason to worry in view of the start of the season.

Yesterday Inter played their sixth and final friendly match of preseason.

Clashes with Lugano, Pergolettese, Las Palmas, Pisa, and Al-Ittihad preceded yesterday’s match.

In all of these matches, there was something of a mixed bag for Inter.

Naturally, the Nerazzurri have not had any expectations of looking like a fully functioning team in these matches. Not least because of how many players returned late following the Euros and Copa America.

So while there have been some positive signs as far as fitness and growing match-sharpness throughout preseason, there have also been some subpar aspects – particularly defensively.

And yesterday’s match against Chelsea was not perfect. But in the view of the Gazzetta, it was the kind of step in the right direction that Inter coach Inzaghi would’ve wanted to see.

Clear Signs Of “Real” Inter Milan In View Vs Chelsea

Firstly, the Gazzetta note the performance of striker Marcus Thuram.

The Frenchman was one of the last players to return to training for Inter this summer.

Naturally, the Frenchman finding his rhythm is pivotal for Inter’s attack having a cutting edge.

And Thuram didn’t look like a player still struggling to find his physical condition or match sharpness against Chelsea.

The 26-year-old scored Inter’s opener. And beyond that, he caused problems for the Chelsea backline the entire time he was on the pitch.

And the defense also looked better than it has throughout preseason for Inter.

The individual performances by the defenders in particular looked solid, the Gazzetta argues.

And in terms of Inter’s defensive shape, while still not perfect, the team largely denied Chelsea space.

This is not quite the finished article yet. But Inzaghi has a few more days of intense work in training to get Inter to where he wants them for their Serie A opener against Genoa.

Moreover, the coach should have both Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu available to him for that match.

The signs therefore point to Inter arriving at their Serie A opener in Liguria ready to pick up where they left off last season.