Internazionale Main Thread IV

[Totally FRANK]

[Lombardiamia]

Aye. I think I agree on all points. The players seem doubtful, every fifty-fifty ball is regularly taken by our opposition. It's frustrating. Strama is making a big mistake in keeping Zanetti in there all game, every game. It's quite obvious he is only capable of covering a very small area and gives absolutely nothing in terms of construction or going forward (bar his usual run forward in the 88th minute to get his standard round of applause). Practically we start each and every game with a handicap.
How funny was it to see Gargano taking that free kick? At least it added some humour in the game.
Agreed also on the absences. Samuel is too damn important. Ranocchia has been piss poor ever since Chivu started playing instead of Samuel. And I'm afraid getting Rocchi has solved nothing up front. Milito is needed more because of his movements than his goals.

[Lombardiamia]

Oh BTW, and this has absolutely no relation to yesterday's result, but WTF does a player wearing an Inter jersey have to do in order to be awarded a penalty? A shot at the head (probably one in the chest won't be enough)?
Anyone honestly think that what was awarded to Milan yesterday would have ever been awarded to Inter?

[Totally FRANK]

[Messinterista]

Is Stramaccioni running out of time to save Inter's season?

Prior to the current season, Siena had never beaten Inter. Now however, the team at the foot of the Serie A table, with only six wins to their name have claimed two of those victories against the Nerazzurri. To add insult to their prestigious opponents, in those two games they have now scored five times and only conceded just once.

With this latest defeat to the Robur, Inter have now lost seven out of 23 games this season. More worryingly they have failed to secure a win away from home since they ended Juventus' unbeaten run back at the beginning of November.

So where is it going wrong for the Nerazzurri?

Is it a weakness in defence? An inability to hold possession in midfield? Or an ineffective attack? The truth is that all these things hold some responsibility for Inter's poor performances, but it is becoming more than evident that the biggest cause is inconsistent tactics.

So far this season I have championed Andrea Stramaccioni, stating on more than one occasion that both the Inter management and the fans should be patient with the young coach while he rebuilds the club's ageing squad and finds the right balance across the pitch.

However, with the last couple of bad results for the Nerazzurri, murmurs of discontent are starting to spread amongst fans that are quickly losing faith in Stramaccioni. The feeling that his lack of top level experience is starting to have a negative effect on the club's fortunes has some fans questioning whether he really is the right man for the job.

This view comes from the fact that in almost every game Stramaccioni changes his formation and switches around the position players such as Yuto Nagatomo, Fredy Guarin and Javier Zanetti. This isn't even an issue that is occurring in separate matches, but often the Nerazzurri coach is changing his formation several times during the same game. For example, in the defeat against Siena, he started the game with his team lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, then during the half time break, with the substitution of Ezequiel Schelotto, he switched to a four-man defence with Nagatomo changing from the left of the pitch to the right.

Then to add to further confuse the Japanese wingback, with the dismissal of Cristian Chivu he found himself back in the left-back position. Ok, so Stramaccioni was left with little choice following the red card, but he has been known to make similar changes like this without having his hand forced.

It is no secret I am a fan of Stramaccioni and I still hold the faith that he can succeed with Inter, but all these constant changes to his tactics are restricting his players' ability to excel in a specific role and play to their full potential. This lack of consistency also means that the confidence the players have in their own abilities drops considerably. We saw during the Jose Mourinho era that allowing the players to build a sense of self belief is key to success.

All too often we see the Inter players almost visibly give up on a match when they go a goal down, this too has a huge effect on how well the team can play. In this latest game in Tuscany we saw the Nerazzurri instantly reply to Siena's first goal, but as soon as their second hit the back of the net, all of the Nerazzurri's passion disappeared from their play. Unlike Siena, whose desire and drive produced an unexpected winning performance on the pitch.

When Stramaccioni took over from Claudio Ranieri last season he secured a stunning run of form using a 4-3-2-1 formation. This season he has opted to experiment with different tactics that so far have had limited success. If the Inter coach can return to his original tactics, he could possibly save his season.

Even with Inter's new players, the formation is still ideal. With a back four consisting of Schelotto, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus and Alvaro Pereira/Nagatomo the defence could become incredibly solid. A midfield three of Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Javier Zanetti/Cambiasso and Joel Obi/Ricky Alvarez would cover the defence while connecting to an attacking third consisting of Mateo Kovacic/Antonio Cassano and Fredy Guarin behind a lone striker of Diego Milito or Rodrigo Palacio. Of course with the club's squad depth there would also be plenty of cover in all areas too. This would create a strong line-up that could perform week in and week out.

With Stramaccioni's choice of central defenders being severely limited next week against Chievo, following Chivu's suspension and Walter Samuel being injured, I see this as the ideal time for the Inter coach to switch back to his original formation and attempt to save his Inter career before the slight impatience emerging from the fans spreads to Massimo Moratti, who as we all know will replace him without a second thought.

Regardless of the result there were a few positives to draw from the game: all three debutants had a good game considering the result. Schelotto didn't get too much opportunity to shine, but he did well with the chances on the ball he received. Kuzmanovic, although he wasn't great defensively in the middle of the pitch, he did play an important part in nearly every Inter foray forward, showing some neat passing and great vision.

Finally, of course, there was the 18-year-old Kovacic who didn't get the chance to start the game, but came on in difficult circumstances and still managed to show some incredible skill on the ball, as well as a work rate any player would be proud to possess. I predict that this kid is going to become a huge part of Inter's future success and I am really excited to see Moratti proved right for giving him the coveted No.10 shirt.

With yet another international break following this defeat it will be vital that the Nerazzurri coach works his players hard ahead of next weekend’s game against Chievo. If Inter stand any chance of finishing in their targeted top three place, or even in a Europa League spot, it is critical that they turn their fortunes around as soon as possible and regain their lost form.

The alternative is unthinkable - no European competition for Inter, and a return to Moratti's never-ending management merry-go-round.

Source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/nam ... 61?cc=3436

[Messinterista]

Strama has until the Milan derby. If we lose that and our table position continues to slide he will be a sacked.

[Lombardiamia]

[kros]

[Messinterista]

I don't want Strama to go yet either. He needs to be given more time, especially with the new players.
If Strama does go before the season is out, I think Blanc will come in straight away. He is waiting...

[Totally FRANK]

Italy U21: Bardi; Donati, Caldirola, Bianchetti (Romagnoli 81), Biraghi; Sansone (Saponara 56), Rossi, Crimi, Insigne (Frascatore 91); Borini (Paloschi 68), Immobile (Longo 77)

This is the team that defeated Germany today. Isn't the whole backline composed of Inter youth team players?

[Lombardiamia]

Yes. Same backline that will be sold to get another fifteen wing-backs who are currently playing as reserves in an unknown South American league & a half retired forward.

[Messinterista]

Inter all-clear for Laxalt

Inter are about to have another new signing, as Diego Sebastian Guillermo Laxalt “will be an Italian citizen tomorrow,” said his agent.

The Defensor Sporting player has been at the Under-20 South American tournament with Uruguay.

He turned 20 today and is already in Italy to gain a new passport, which will allow him to make the transfer.

“It’s all done, Diego’s paperwork is in order and he will be an Italian citizen tomorrow,” agent Vincenzo D’Ippolito told Itasportpress.

“Inter will only be able to register him as their player in the summer, but in the meantime the lad can train with the Nerazzurri squad.

“It is a great move, seeing as Laxalt is a talent who will certainly do well in Serie A. He can play either wide or central midfield.”

The 20-year-old is expected to sign a contract holding him to Inter until June 2018.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/30489/in ... ear-laxalt

[Messinterista]

Inter present new boy Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic has been unveiled as Inter’s new No 10. “I have to admit that I still can’t believe that I’m here.”

The 18-year-old joined the Nerazzurri last week after an initial €11m fee was agreed with Dynamo Zagreb.

“I was a bit surprised,” he said when asked about the transfer. “But I’m very proud and happy to be at a club such as this one.

“I’m also honoured that I’ll be able to wear the 10, but it’s not really about the number on my back – I have to play well.”

The Croatian is rated as one of the most talented youngsters in Europe, one who has been likened to numerous players of the past.

“Robert Prosinecki is my favourite footballer of all time, but I like being myself,” he said when asked about players he aspires to.

“What matters is that I give it everything. I really like the tactical side and I think I can offer a lot through the middle.

“I know Italian football is tough but I'll get used to it.”

The teenager was also inevitably asked about his preferred role and he quickly put himself at the total disposal of boss Andrea Stramaccioni.

“I can play in a deep midfield position, but also an attacking one,” he said. “But it's not up to me, that's the Coach's job…”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/30510/in ... oy-kovacic

[Messinterista]

MATCH PREVIEW
Serie A Week 24 - 10 Feb 2013
Inter - Chievo
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza

A shock defeat at Siena has seen the pressure pile on Inter in their bid for third spot - can the they bounce back at home to Chievo?

Andrea Stramaccioni’s side were caught out once more last week, as bottom side Siena completed a remarkable double over the Nerazzurri – having beaten them at San Siro earlier in the season.

The defeat to the Robur will be a particularly bitter one for Inter to swallow and even the players described it as an ‘ugly loss’. The result not only meant more dropped points but also saw rivals Milan, who were as far as 10 points behind in December, catch up in the table.

Stramaccioni used all his new signings in the game against Siena with Kuzmanovic and Schelotto starting, and youngster Kovacic being brought on for the latter at the start of the second half. However, it is the team’s defence that presents him with even more questions this week as Chivu’s sending off and subsequent suspension means he misses out.

The 36-year old has little faith in Matias Silvestre, and it is likely that Esteban Cambiasso will be used as a make-shift centre-back in Samuel’s continued absence. Fredy Guarin is also out through suspension, and this could see Kovacic get a start. In positive news from the injury front, Diego Milito is expected to make his return.

Chievo will not be intimidated by Inter in their current form, and as they showed in the second-half against Juventus they are more than capable of troubling the big sides. The Flying Donkeys managed to recover from a poor first-half, and went close to levelling the game against the Bianconeri on more than a few occasions.

Former Milan frontman Alberto Palsochi has been in good form for the Gialloblu, and his partnership alongside Cyril Thereau is becoming quite a handy one for them. Both players have good pace and they will surely look to exploit the Inter back-line as Innocent Emeghera managed to do last week.

Corini has confirmed he will be sticking to a back five with Sampirisi and Jokic as wing-backs, and one can expect most of their chances being created on the counter-attack. The three central defenders won’t be as mobile and will likely drop deep to prevent the attackers getting behind them.

After the first defeat to Siena, Inter embarked on a seven-game winning run in the League. Stramaccioni will hope that history repeats itself starting this week against Chievo.

Keep an eye on: Diego Milito (Inter) – The Argentine is expected to return to action this weekend after having missed out on all the games this year through injury. His movement and finishing have been sorely missed by the Nerazzurri, and one can expect him to make an instant impact.

Form guide: Inter (L W D D L) Chievo (W L D W L)

Last season: Inter 1-0 Chievo

Stat Fact: In the last 10 seasons, Inter have kept 10 clean sheets against Chievo – more than against any other team in the same period.

Inter (probable): Handanovic; Ranocchia, Cambiasso, Juan Jesus; Zanetti, Kuzmanovic, Gargano, Nagatomo, Kovacic; Cassano, Milito

Chievo (probable): Puggioni; Sampirisi, Cesar, Dainelli, Andreolli, Jokic; Seymour, Rigoni, Hetemaj, Paloschi, Thereau

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/m ... view/22335

[Messinterista]

Milito and Cambiasso are in contract renewal talks. It will be interesting to see if they accept a cut to their salaries in order to stay.
Andreolli and Campagnaro will be joining us at the end of the season. I wonder if we will keep Samuel.

[RomaShield27]

Campagnaro is joining Inter? Really? He's a good defender, although a bit on the old side no? Surprised to hear he's leaving Napoli for a rival, thought he was a fan favourite.

[Lombardiamia]

[Messinterista]

[Messinterista]

Strama: 'We played like Inter'

Andrea Stramaccioni saw more than a change of tactics behind the victory over Chievo. “We played like Inter.”

The Nerazzurri had won just one of their previous seven, but pushed the Flying Donkeys aside 3-1 to consolidate fourth place.

“In the first half we weren’t as focused on set plays as we should’ve been and Chievo surprised us on a couple of occasions,” said the Coach.

“After the break we were more careful and didn’t allow our opponents anything. I think tonight we saw a sign that this team is still alive and angry after a difficult period.

“It was a positive performance, building a great deal in attack and overall allowing little at the back. Our three strikers give us an extra gear going forward, but they were also generous in tracking back today, because they know that without their contribution we can’t use a 4-3-3.

“I wanted to leave Esteban Cambiasso free to push forward down the right, while Walter Gargano was there to give balance to a flank where Antonio Cassano and Yuto Nagatomo would play in a very aggressive manner.

“Overall, we played like Inter tonight. We always go out to win and know anything less than a victory is no good to us. This evening everyone followed my orders and you saw a great performance.”

Dejan Stankovic made his first appearance since undergoing Achilles tendon surgery in May 2012 and was given a standing ovation by San Siro.

“Stankovic is more than a player to me. He is a warrior and a real man who gives his all for this jersey.”

Stramaccioni joked about Inter’s upcoming fixtures against Fiorentina, Juventus and Cluj.

“We now have two head-to-head clashes, going to Florence and then ‘the friendly’...”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/30608/st ... ayed-inter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope this means we are not going to field a full strength team against Cluj and risk our better players (i.e. Milito), and just have half an attempt at this competition. We must not let Lazio get out of reach, 3rd is a priority. Perhaps even bigger than actually winning the Europa League.

[Lombardiamia]

I highly doubt we will field a first XI against Cluj. But I expect players who play regularly (or are expected to play regularly) to play. Certainly one of Ranocchia/JJ, Guarin & Kovacic as well as 1 or 2 of Milito/Cassano/Palacio. TBH I expect Milito to play as Cassano and especially Palacio have been running for months. This is what I expect:

Handanovic, Schelotto/Zanetti, Silvestre, JJ, Pereira, Stankovic, Kovacic, Guarin, Alvarez, Cassano, Milito/Rocchi.