As Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram struggle with fatigue, Inter Milan faces a critical decision: stick with the stars or gamble on hungry newcomers in squad?
As the Serie A heads into its Christmas break, Inter Milan seats second in a crowded space of 6 teams.
Just one point behind Napoli in the title race, the Nerazzurri’s campaign tells a tale of two competitions – domestic promise mixed with Champions League uncertainty.
Recent results have angered Inter faithful fans. An unlucky draw against title rivals Napoli and a nail-biting victory over bottom-placed Venezia hints at a team still struggling to figure things out.
The criticism has naturally fallen on the usually prolific duo of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. This as their recent goal shortage has sparked debate across Milan’s football circles.
Yet perspective is crucial here. Inter’s leadership ranking in Serie A suggests this is less a crisis and more a moment for strategic thinking.
When a club reaches the heights Inter has, expectations increase unreasonably. The reality? The team is performing admirably in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
However, Inter has failed to score more, including in matches against Juventus, and Venezia.
However, the physical fatigue on key players cannot be ignored.
The international calendar has been particularly demanding on Martínez, with Argentina’s Copa America campaign leaving its mark on the striker’s stamina.
Thuram too has faced the exhausting double job of club and country. This fatigue opens some interesting possibilities: could this be the perfect moment for Inter to take some calculated risks?
Inter Milan Need To Rely On Squad Depth More
The success story of Moise Kean at Fiorentina offers an inspiring example. Once struggling at Juventus, Kean has transformed into a scoring machine.
Subsequently fueled by the hunger to prove his worth. His rsuccess raises an interesting question: could similar hidden gems be waiting in Inter’s ranks?
“We can’t just rely on our big names to pull us through every game,” admits Inter manager Simone Inzaghi. Therefore, hinting at possible tactical innovations.
One such option lies in Frattesi, whose dynamic performances for the Italian national team suggest he could offer a concrete solution in attack.
His ability to disrupt defenses and convert chances could provide the fresh energy Inter desperately needs.
Overall, while Serie A form remains strong, Champions League qualification hangs in the balance.
Inter Milan may still get back to the market in January 2025 with a tactical acquisition to support the strikers and inject fresh energy to the team.
However, we will probably have to wait for the summer for some bigger moves and game changing acquisitions.
Inter Milan Must Compete To Win On All Fronts In What Could Be A Historic Season
As Inter looks ahead, the path forward seems clear. While they remain a powerhouse in Italian football, the moment calls for innovation rather than caution.
With smart rotation and possibly some shrewd January acquisitions, the Nerazzurri could not only challenge Napoli and Juventus domestically but also make their mark in Europe.
Inzaghi’s statements capture the moment perfectly: “We know the fans are anxious, but we have to stay the course.
“If that means giving some new faces a chance or getting creative in the January window, then so be it. The goal is to get this team back to its best and fighting on all fronts.”
By: Andrea Zanon
Andrea Zanon is the co-founder of Confidente. He is an international advisor who has worked for financial institutions and entrepreneurs on sustainability, international affairs and development.