ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - FC Inter Milan

Posted by Gianni Serra on 09/12/2011

"This defeat will be a valuable lesson for our future. Anyway, it's a pity we lost. We took the lead when we were playing worse and we lost the match while we were in control of the game. We leave Palermo with some good things but also with lots of things that need to be fixed", said Giampiero Gasperini after his traumatic first official game as Inter coach.

Inter could have easily avoided the 4-3 defeat in Palermo. But Julio Cesar's two blunders [admitted by the Brazilian, with his typical frankness] can't be the only explanation of this loss. Having managed to survive the quick-fire start of the home side, Inter took twice the lead, thanks to Diego Milito's brace.

In Gasperini's words, that was Inter's worst moment. It wasn't actually. Nerazzurri never played fluid football against Rosanero, not even for short spells. Never looked to be in complete control or relaxed. There was always the feeling that Inter were capable of finding the net or allowing Palermo to score. And that feeling of uncertainty wouldn't have changed even if they'd have kept playing for three or four hours. At the moment Inter look like one of those sides designed to encourage opponents to attack without having any counter-attack tactic in mind.

Even Palermo are far from being the complete package [too many holes in midfield and not great quality behind], but Inter kept Rosanero in the game for the entire 90 minutes and in the end Miccoli and co. won. Among Inter's fans the general consensus is that the current squad is not made for Gasperini's 3-4-3.

If they play like they did against Palermo there are no useful schemes for these players: even a basic 4-4-2 would look too frail. I share Gasperini's view that Inter players can play effectively even in a 3-4-3 formation [honestly, he can't say anything else, otherwise it'd be like admitting that there was no point in appointing him]. And the quality of Sneijder and Zanetti’s performance proved it: the only two players out of their normal positions were Inter's best players on the pitch.

Far more questionable is Gasperini's team selection. Stankovic and Cambiasso are not the players they used to be; they are too slow to be paired together as central midfielders but Gasperini decided to start with them - why not try Obi, in the centre, alongside one of the two? The outcome of Gasperini's decision was plain to see for everyone: Palermo broke free too many times in the central corridor and Walter Samuel was left exposed several times [only a very generous referee avoided a second yellow card for the Argentinian centre-back]. It wasn't the only controversial choice.

Milito's brace is a sign that confirms what everybody knew - The Prince is coming back to his usual standards but he is not there yet; Forlan's beautiful goal will do wonders for the Uruguayan striker’s self-confidence, but until that very moment his impact on the game was zero. Same could be said of Zarate, who was taken off by Gasperini after half an hour. Brave and right decision. But you wonder who else on earth could pick this Zarate ahead of Sneijder? On the flanks Jonathan and Nagatomo didn't play badly but their presence in the starting line-up seemed to stress Inter's confusion and reduced ambitions. One defeat can't compromise a project [if there is one] but Gasperini [already under scrutiny] is now under big pressure.

Inter's man of the match: Javier Zanetti. Wherever he plays he gives the same consistent performance. As last man he made a prodigious tackle which was worth a goal. Inter's skipper certainly didn't deserved to be on the losing side.

Serie A 2011-12 / Day 1

PALERMO-INTER 4-3

PALERMO: Tzorvas; Pisano, Silvestre, Migliaccio, Balzaretti; Alvarez, Della Rocca (46' Acquah), Barreto, Ilicic (68' Bertolo); Miccoli, Hernandez (74' Pinilla). Coach: Mangia
INTER: Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Lucio, Samuel; Jonathan, Cambiasso (71' Alvarez), Stankovic, Nagatomo (62' Obi); Zarate (34' Sneijder), Milito, Forlan. Coach: Gasperini
Referee: Brighi
Goals: Miccoli 48', 86', Hernandez 54', Pinilla 88'; Milito 33', 50' pen, Forlan 91'

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Comments

Posted by Austin on 09/12/2011

Interesting thoughts as always Gianni, I think that Gasperini's substitutions may have been the only thing he got right. Obi looked solid at times and personally I thought Alvarez invigorated the midfield quite well once he came on. You can tell the lad has technique and flair to him and I think that is definitely going to be a positive.
Zarate looked bad. Thats all that can be said for him. Hopefully he improves because while a Forlan/Milito pairing up front is solid, both of them play similar football that didn't seem to quite gel together. Obviously its the first game of the season so this can still change and Forlan in particular did a fantastic job of getting himself into space off the ball.
I'm surprised you chose to comment on Samuel instead of Lucio. Honestly both of them looked shaky at best. Samuel was unbelievably fortunate to avoid a red card but Lucio's decisions on when to make his runs forward were terrible and more than once left our back line in a 4v5 position...

Posted by Austin on 09/12/2011

While Jonathan didn't necessarily play "badly" the fact that Forlan was forced to run back to the right to cover says a lot about Jonathan's defense performance - particularly in the first half. This isn't to take away from his performance going forward though - he looked solid enough and you can tell he has the potential to be as good going forward as Maicon is.
Finally I'm curious as to where Coutinho is. To be honest I haven't really watched as much pre-season football as I should've been - is he injured or does Gasperini not share the enthusiasm our last two coaches had for him? One of your earlier articles pointed out that this could (and hopefully should) be his breakout year - hopefully the aging Stankovic and Cambiasso will be replaced to give the kid a chance because the two of them seem to be slowing with age.

Posted by Nima on 09/12/2011

Guys Gasperini plays a system with 5 defenders and 2 midfielders. With 2 defenders playing wing...so there's no room for a creative midfield as well as holding guy. The modern game really doesn't allow for a 3 man defence because the centre of the field is essential. Gasp needs to stop being stubborn. Sacrificing the middle for 3 attackers who don't get service from the middle? All great clubs are spending large on central midfielders n this IDIOT benches Sneijer to play Deki? It says it all. Remember Zaccaroni 3-4-3.

Posted by Peter on 09/12/2011

His team selection logic was sound, but just misplaced. At this part of the season, you really need to have your best players getting match time to get their legs back from the summer. Rotation is good, but only in the latter stretches of the season.

The 3 man defense will work, but they need time for it to gel. Inter had to play into the game, and Palermo started out superbly. A frighteningly spectacular Miccoli and an even more spectacular strike from Pinilla sealed Inters fate. The Barbera is a scary place to come and play normally, and as the first game of the season it is almost impossible. Give Gasperini time and he will be successful. Too many people are calling for his head when he hasnt even had his first team out at home yet.

Posted by Angel on 09/12/2011

Gasperini's system took a hard hit, the system cannot work if you have a week defense. How can inter attack, if they cannot hold off an attack? Gasperini was right in saying that Inter need to find balance, and has all the right to be ticked off. Palermo counter attacked inter with four players, while inter only had two defending. This just can't be right...Inter needs to fix the defense immediately. Whats the point of scoring 5 goals, if you will allow 10? For now, they must play a 4-4-2 system until they find the right players to play defensive roles. You're gonna send Zarate to defend?, that's just plane ridiculous. Lets hope that Maicon can return healthy fast, so he can give the defense and the inter attack some peace of mind. Inter have quality, and are loaded in midfield and attack. Gasperini must realize that he must change tactics to help inter find balance in their game.

Posted by TonyKross on 09/12/2011

The three man defense has no place in the modern game for a team that wants to win silverware. there is a reason none of the big teams in Europe use it, Barca, manu,Chelsea,Real,AC Milan ?

Posted by Moises on 09/13/2011

We all know it might be too soon, but it will all come down to the UCL match. IMO, 3-4-3 is a no go, and if Gasp doesn't deliver results he'll be out next month.

Posted by the Dutch Lion on 09/13/2011

Gasperini is clueless. Even Peewee soccer uses a basic of four defenders as the chore for your team. Any other configuration that you choose to use further up field.completely depends on the type of opponent you are fac
ing. In this day and age you have to do your homework if you want to be a top caliber coach. Gasperini displayed his.Arrogance and ignorance in presumptuously playing a 3-4-3 formation and benching, Yes.... you heard it right, benching the BEST midfielder in the world. How is that possible? He should simply be fired!!! He's just not up to the task. It's too late in the season to be "guessing" what should be done. Moratti should fire Gasperini for misrepresentation of his coaching expertise and scower the market for another coach. Anyone...I.repeat, anyone would be better than Gasperini. He's a CRETIN!
Temporary solution. Play Alvarez and Sneijder, Forlan and Milito, play Pazinni, get rid of Zarate and for sure replace Ju...
Julio Cesar.

Posted by Sam on 09/13/2011

Great to finally have the new season off to a belated start, shame about the result though!
The controversy over the system was bound to appear early on, although I hoped it wouldnt be this early. It has flattered to deceive in the pre season and has once again done so now.
When Benetiz took over I questioned the wisdom of playing the high line as we did not have the fast defenders capable of covering the space. I find myself asking the same thing again. I dont think the 3-4-3 is fundementally flawed. It requires all players bar maybe the CF to defend and offers fluidity and options BUT there are two requirements for me to make it work successfully. 1) have quick defenders and DM to cover opposition attacks and 2) make sure the team do NOT lose the ball in bad areas allowing for opposition counter attacks. Inter did neither of these things and combined with some sloppy offside play disaster reigned. Positive though is that unlike under Benetiz players seem happy and committed!

Posted by Kendal on 09/14/2011

I did not see the game just the highlights. Frankly looking at the starting lineup I did not need to. I've been screaming for a change from this 3-4-3. Firstly a 3 man backline is already weak but with the aging full back/centremid Zanetti shuffling into this position is absurd and weakens your defence even more.

It calls for 2 holding mids which means sneijder plays deeper limiting his effect or part of the 3 man front line which squeezes out other potential attackers, alvarez/zarate/forlan. Also the defensive wingers will not be effective in and around the box if if need be to drift inside and create plays, shots for themselves. There main threat becomes simply crossing the ball from wide which can become very monotonous & stagnant.

While they may play well and keep posession the defence is easily penetrable against any tactical team and a team with a commanding midfield will easily dominate them forcing fowards to drop deep and eliminate the point of playin 3 up front anyway.

Posted by Nima on 09/14/2011

I don't want Gasps head at all. Just to slap sense into him. Clearly he can motivate average players to perform highly n consistently but he needs to realise that all great clubs play they're own system and let the opposition worry about them. Gasp is being stubborn as a squad set up for a,4-3-1-2 will need a,major revolution in players to adapt to a 3-4-3. In theory 3 man defence is what Phil Scolari calls liquid football. Where at any given time the team can change to a 5 man defence, 5 midfield or 4 attackers HOWEVER LUCIO, SAMUEL are not the right players for this system. We have a lot of dead wood that need to go. I love Ivan but 3 million a,yr for 3 yrs?.Come on! Same with Deki, Chivu and Samuel. We sold Biabiany? And Mariga prob too. Obi was ace n needs more games. I worry for us. Top 3 would be great with a CL QF. Judge Gasp next season but he can't change the squad too much in case his chopped.

Posted by Shello on 09/14/2011

HELP..HELP..SOS..I am sounding the call,, gasperini has no idea what he is doing,, massimo fire this guy before the season gets away from us,,we don't want to be the inter of the 90's but if this guy keeps up this pace we will be fighting for a place in the europa lg. A few minutes ago we suffered our 2nd consecutive defeat to a side i could barely pronounce(trabzonspor). I can't take it no more i am really afraid if we come up against the really good teams the barcas and manu's and reals we will be in a REAL MESS & ROOIN!!! : ( forza inter : (

Posted by Pietro on 09/14/2011

Who will you appoint in case of Gasperini's departure?
There is only small number of possible replacements:
1. Ancelotti, but he won't come to Inter
2. Spalletti - problematic departure from Russia
3. Capello - same as Spalletti
4. I read something about Roberto Baggio's coaching license, this guy will have a great effect on team, I think
5. Walter Zenga never get a chance to coach Inter, now he is changing clubs in UAE, or where is he
6. Who else is possible to sit on Inter bench?
Any tips?

Posted by Shello on 09/15/2011

Re Pietro: I think Ancelloti would be a good replacement but u are right he may not come to inter. Who we need is someone to motivate these guys someone who has won trophies as a previous player or coach,, Luis figo may be an excellent coach for inter in the future but as for the now,,here's a list of people i think can do the job: Scolari, Luis Aragones, Carlos Bianchi( bcuz of all the argentinians on the squad), Rikard if they can get him, Cryuff!!!(dats a lil overboard)But Ancelloti would be the person on the top of my list. Ps- Spalleti is also a good choice but is in contract currently.

Posted by Pietro on 09/15/2011

Re: Shello
Interesting names. I read the candidates should be Delio Rossi, Claudio Ranieri and Carlo Ancelotti.
1. Delio Rossi - I don't know him much, relatively unexperienced with training big clubs, similar to Gasperini
2. Claudio Ranieri - he is tragic coach, but I think, he and Ancelotti would be on Branca's top of list :-(
3. Ancelotti can be, but he is Milanista and won't come to us I think.

I believe Gasperini will find key to Inter's game and winning ;-)

Posted by Shello on 09/16/2011

Re Pietro: I really hope you are right,, i really would hate to see we change another coach and it is not even mid season as yet. Gasper has the talent and the experience to take this side far this season but is picking the wrong team and formation everytime. Well win or lose Inter will forever be my club...Forza Inter!!! : )

Posted by Pietro on 09/16/2011

I support Inter for 15years, in the hardest times, too (when we finished 9th!).
Before Gasperini arrived here, I suggested 1 name: To give another chance for Hector Cuper. He was doing well at Inter, but lacked some fortune to win league and Champions League.

Posted by Shello on 09/17/2011

Hector Cuper wasn't a bad coach and i still hold him in high regard even when we lost the title on the last day of the season. He had good tactics just he didn't have much talent available to him with ronaldo injured the club wasn't spending as they used too we were in a bad way( although we finished 3rd and 2nd) but he got results and we did fairly ok in th CL. I would like to see what he could really do with talented players under his direction. And guess what he is Argentine if he could get his countrymen to rally around him we could have a strong foundation for a future dynasty.

Posted by Pietro on 09/17/2011

Yes, but it seems to me, that ex-coach will never get a second chance in Inter. It's my feeling

Posted by Denver on 09/29/2011

These topics are so cfonsuing but this helped me get the job done.

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