Inter, the five reasons not to be afraid in the return to Madrid

There are goals that could be priceless and even justify an outlay of 10 million, euros more euros less… This is how much was paid this summer to Marko Arnautovic, an expert and talented striker who left, upon his purchase from Bologna, several doubts about his usefulness in this Inter. Doubts that have been growing in this season which has practically never seen him as a protagonist, except in a negative way. The refrain was repeating itself last night, in the second half, when Arna came on in place of the injured Thuram and wasted three very favorable opportunities, the first with a flying split at the end of a great move by Inter which started with a quick build-up from low, the Nerazzurri’s trademark. At the fourth attempt, however, Arnautovic, consoled and encouraged by his teammates after the errors, found the goal which could have enormous value for Inter, helping them to get through the round, reach the quarter-finals and demonstrate to Europe that this too year, whoever wants to lift the Champions League will have to deal with Inter who now have the look of a great team. Beating Atletico was difficult: although the Spaniards are no longer that group of fanatical “bandits” who in recent years, especially in defence, were impervious, they remain a physical, technical, solid and valuable team. But Inter won in a deserved and convincing way, creating a lot in the second half: the 1-0 was close to the Nerazzurri who had 4-5 clear chances, a couple of which were even sensational. On the other hand, Atletico has practically never worried Sommer.

At the Wanda Metropolitano the climate will be very hot, but to advance the Spaniards will have to win with a two-goal difference: half a feat against Inter today. There are at least 5 reasons – in no particular order – why Inzaghi must be optimistic in view of the return leg and believe in progressing to the next round.

1)

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Inter’s defense is an almost impervious wall. Between the championship and the Champions League in 31 games (24 + 7), Sommer’s goal remained clean 19 times (15 + 4). The defensive department offers certainties at an individual and collective level: some performers may change (acerbi absent yesterday and De Vrij in) but not the final result.

2)

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The midfield is the sector in which Inter is strongest and can compete with any other European team. Well yesterday two key players like Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan had a less brilliant day, but despite this Inter, with Barella among the best, held the field and created a lot. With Calha and Micki at their levels, the Wanda will be less scary.

3)

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You can win even without having Thuram and Lautaro on the scoreboard. Inter are able to become dangerous with more players and finally score even with one of the spare attackers.

4)

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The mentality is now that of a great team. In the first half Inter seemed a little tense, almost as if they were studying their opponent, but never afraid of them. Awareness of one’s own strength, ability to hold the field, seize the moment to strike, know how to defend oneself while always maintaining an offensive attitude. These are all qualities that Inter shows they have. At the end of the match the players satisfied with the result immediately said almost in unison that they will go to Madrid to win the return match too. This is called a winning mentality.

5)

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Compactness and union. Everyone on the pitch helps each other, runs for their teammate, participates. There are never any gestures of annoyance after a wrong pass, a missed opportunity, or a substitution during the match. Those who play from the start, those who come in, those who remain on the bench participate in the matches and victories with the same energy and enthusiasm. Thanks to Inzaghi who today proves that he has the group totally in hand. The gestures of affection towards Arnautovic after missed goals demonstrate the positive atmosphere in the locker room. When a team faces matches and opponents with this spirit, half the work is done. To this we obviously add the game, proactive, solid, convincing, clear. Inter always does the same things but they always do them well. With an optimal athletic condition. Courage therefore, to Wanda without fear.

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