As many as 14 of the Nerazzurri’s 21 total goals were made by players who arrived in Milan this summer: from the French all-rounder to Frattesi’s impact, the coach is already reaping the benefits
Thuram in Champions format, a long and top-level bench. Sometimes, appearances can be deceiving: Simone Inzaghi knows something about it, as he changed his Inter team without showing it. In the Nerazzurri’s typical lineup, only three players arrived in the last transfer session: Sommer, Pavard and Thuram replaced Onana, Skriniar and Lukaku (or Dzeko) and so far they have managed not to miss them. In reality, however, this Inter is newer than ever. Inzaghi put the latest arrivals at the center of the project and they responded by immediately performing at the top. The numbers prove Simone right: of the twenty-one goals scored in the season, fourteen bear the signature (between goals and assists) of players purchased in the summer window. Thanks to Thuram, of course, but also to everyone else.
MARCUS & CO
—
The French striker’s latest performance led to victory against Benfica in the Champions League. In the championship, however, Marcus is already a driving force. In seven days he had a hand in eight goals: assist for Dumfries against Cagliari, goal, assist and penalty against Fiorentina, then the 2-0 in the derby, another decisive pass for Dumfries and support for Lautaro (assist and penalty awarded) in the Salerno match. The impact is devastating and makes the management smile, proud of having landed the coup on a free transfer. The enthusiasm, however, also involves everyone else: Cuadrado and Carlos Augusto, reserve trains who systematically – the Colombian’s ailments permitting – take over from Dumfries and Dimarco, have already put a good ball in the way for captain Lautaro. Before the injury, Arnautovic also showed up at San Siro with a couple of top-class plays, followed by the assist for Toro’s goal against Monza. Frattesi, finally, jostles to find space, yet, in his own way, he has already left his mark. Milan know something about it, as do Real Sociedad, shocked by his lucky pass.
LAST YEAR
—
Compared to last summer, it’s true, Inter has changed much more. But these days, exactly one year ago, Inzaghi had to deal with a situation opposite to the current one. The adaptation of the new arrivals did not proceed quickly, but Simone needed them to avoid being left behind in the championship fight. Bellanova and Asllani had scraped together a handful of minutes, Onana and Acerbi were close toexploit, but still relegated to the bench: the goalkeeper made his league debut only after nine matchdays, while the defender remained out until the seventh round. Lukaku began the first phase of a long stop due to injury, while Mkhitaryan was still, on paper, the first alternative to Barella, Brozovic and Calhanoglu. You can bet that today’s Inzaghi is much more serene, proud of having found a solution in the space of a few weeks.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED