As Inter Milan embarks on their campaign to defend the Scudetto, the Nerazzurri has made a stuttering start to life as champions.
As the Serie A season heads into the international break, Simone Inzaghi’s men are currently second in the table, two points behind league leaders Napoli. The Naples side are spearheaded by former San Siro duo Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku, and both are intent on usurping their former club at the summit of Italian football this term.
While Inter are only two points off the league leaders, there have been several poor performances throughout their opening months as champions.
A 2-1 defeat to AC Milan was their first Derby della Madonnina defeat in over two years, ending their winning streak at six against their arch-cross-city rivals. Add to that disappointing draws against lowly Monza and Genoa, and it’s clear to see that there is plenty of room for improvement on the blue half of the San Siro.
While the club’s stalwarts are continuing to perform at a high level, a number of their new signings simply haven’t managed to get out of first gear just yet.
After the international break ends, they will need to up their game if they plan on helping the Nerazzurri defend their title.
Inter Milan Fans Staying Busy During the International Break
Just because the international break is now here, it doesn’t mean that Inter supporters have to distance themselves from the beautiful game. Of course, watching Italy in UEFA Nations League action against Belgium and France is an option. However, we have a more outside-of-the-box suggestion for you.
Playing soccer slot games in a reputable Australian casino online can provide an exciting alternative to staying connected to the world of Calcio while Serie A takes a fortnight off. Platforms like Ignition offer a variety of slot machines that have been perfectly curated for football supporters, so that they can remain close to the beautiful game 24 hours a day, even during the Serie A’s downtime. These slot games often feature thematic elements that appeal to soccer players, such as trophies and stadiums, which enhances the immersive gaming experience.
Games such as Zombie FC blend the unpredictability of dystopian futures with soccer strategies. Players must guide their team of zombie players through various challenges, aiming for victory and substantial wins. Additionally, the platform also provides betting on virtual football, where punters can place bets on virtual matches akin to the ones found on the Football Manager video game in a bid to stay entertained and hopefully, win some cash to boot.
This fascinating slot game should keep supporters on their toes throughout the international break. But when the Inter Milan squad regroups to return to Serie A action, these four new signings certainly need to buck their ideas up.
Davide Frattesi
Davide Frattesi’s arrival from Sassuolo was met with great anticipation. Inter forked out €29m to bring in the young Italian midfielder in the summer, and he was expected to bring energy and creativity to the Nerazzurri’s midfield, forming a lethal partnership alongside Niolco Barella. However, his performances thus far have been a mixed bag.
The 25-year-old has featured in all seven of his new side’s league matches, scoring once in a 3-2 win away at high-flying Udinese as well as providing an additional assist.
While his ability to find the back of the net is a positive, his inconsistency in controlling the midfield has been evident.
In matches like the 2-1 loss to AC Milan and that lackluster draw against Monza, Frattesi struggled to assert himself, often losing possession and failing to link play effectively.
For Inter Milan to stabilize their midfield and exert control over games, their new man in the center of the park consistently drives the ball forward and creates chances.
Failing that, he will soon find himself on the bench, especially once Barella returns from injury.
Piotr Zieliński
Piotr Zieliński’s free transfer from Napoli was supposedly a great coup for Inter, given his experience and technical prowess.
The Polish midfielder provides an experienced head at San Siro, featuring more than 360 times down in Naples and playing a crucial role in the club’s run to the Scudetto two years ago.
Much was expected of him to be a steady presence in midfield, but his start has been underwhelming.
Known for his creative flair and ability to dictate play, he has yet to make a significant impact. In Inter’s midfield setup, Zieliński has found it challenging to replicate the form he showed at Napoli, and the absence of goals and assists from him so far highlights a need to adapt to Inzaghi’s demands.
While his vision and passing range are crucial for Inter to unlock stubborn defenses the Nerazzurri can also find that with the more reliable Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
Mehdi Taremi
Mehdi Taremi joined Inter Milan on a free transfer from FC Porto, bringing a reputation as a prolific forward.
Unfortunately, his start in the Serie A has been less than stellar. Taremi has yet to find the net in his league appearances, a concerning statistic for a striker of his caliber
His inability to convert chances has been on full display, however, his recent masterclass in Inter’s 4-0 Champions League victory against Red Star Belgrade sent the Iranian hitman into the break on a high. Can he maintain that form upon his return to domestic matters?