Inter got a first win in two months against Bologna, but the game exposed just how much they miss Mauro Icardi.
Words: Greg Murray
Inter boss Luciano Spalletti has come under criticism in recent weeks, with his once-lauded pragmatism and reliance on captain Mauro Icardi both areas of contention.
Inter got a first win in two months against Bologna, but the game exposed just how much they miss Mauro Icardi.
Words: Greg Murray
Inter boss Luciano Spalletti has come under criticism in recent weeks, with his once-lauded pragmatism and reliance on captain Mauro Icardi both areas of contention.
Against Bologna, the Tuscan board coach was once again with the talismanic Argentinian, who has been left stranded one short of 100 Serie A goals, having suffered from muscular problems recently. As a result, Eder, goalscorer against Crotone lead the attack, with Spalletti sticking with his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation, despite leaving stalwart Antonio Candreva on the bench.
In their previous five matches, Inter have suffered consecutive draws, some, acceptable, against Roma and Fiorentina, but others against Crotone and SPAL.
During this period, the Milanese side have scored just five goals, which has raised questions over the extent to which the club rely on Icardi. The forward has scored almost half of his teams goals, and more than double any other Inter player.
Almost inevitably, Icardi’s recent injury has forced Spalletti to prove his tactical flexibility, with replacement Eder a widely different sort of striker. The Italian international paid his dues against Crotone, scoring the opening goal, and followed suit this Sunday, striking in the second minute.
Despite the early goal, Inter’s first period was plagued with the type of mistakes that Spalletti seemed to have eliminated in the first half of the season.
The shocking attempt at a clearance that lead to Rodrigo Palacio’s goal, from the normally unflappable Miranda, typified Inter’s recent luck. With Icardi injured, and Ivan Perisic without a goal in 11 games, the Nerazzuri simply can’t afford to makes errors at the moment.
Inter’s lack of firepower seemed to scream for a new attacking midfielder during the January transfer window, with Javier Pastore linked. However, despite sending Joao Mario on loan, only Rafinha was brought in – a good player, but not the proven goalscorer that Pastore is (or was).
This was made abundantly clear against Bologna, with Marcelo Brozovic missing a glaring header. Rafinha made a positive impact, with the side stepping on the accelerator in the second half, yet Inter relied on a stunning solo goal from youngster Yann Karamoh to earn the win.
Spalletti’s relief was palpable following Bologna’s first red card, which took the sting out of their game. Having conceded late against both SPAL and Fiorentina, Inter were able to play out the rest of the match in relative security.
Ultimately few questions were answered against Bologna. However, it seems Inter will be sticking with their Coach’s favoured formation, and hoping that the quality of their players will keep them in the race for Champions League football.