Inter Milan will have to regain the switched-on defensive strength that won them the Serie A title if they’re to have hope against Man City.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Last season, Inter’s defensive strength was the bedrock of their success in Serie A.
Particularly away from home, the Nerazzurri showed a relentless focus and consistency in the defensive phase.
The reward for this was the best defensive record in the division. No team in the Italian top flight conceded fewer goals or kept more clean sheets than Inter.
Inter Must Regain Switched-On Defense Vs Man City
At the start of this season, Inter’s backline hasn’t quite looked the same.
There have been two clean sheets, both at the San Siro – Inter managed to keep both Lecce and Atalanta from breaching their goal.
But it has been in the away matches that the defensive cracks have started to appear.
Against Genoa on the opening day of the season, Inter conceded two fairly avoidable goals.
These were the results of defensive lapses. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer switched off from a ball into the box, and then defender Yann Bisseck conceded a sloppy handball penalty.
And on Sunday against Monza, it was very much the same story.
Inter had most of the ball, meaning that the Brianzoli had to take their chances when they arose.
But that also meant that when Monza did get into dangerous situations, Inter needed to stay alert.
It was Benjamin Pavard who was responsible for the major lapse that allowed Monza to score.
The Frenchman failed to track a run from Dany Mota, who headed in the match’s opening goal.
There was also the matter of Monza defender Armando Izzo getting the time and space that he did to put in a cross.
And considering Manchester City’s quality, Inter will know well that these are just the sort of lapses that will be ruthlessly punished at the Etihad tomorrow.