ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - FC Inter Milan

Posted by Gianni Serra on 12/21/2011

"It's what we wanted for Christmas," said Claudio Ranieri after Inter's fourth win in a row. In the end it was 4-1 but it could have been 8-1 or 3-3. It could have gone either way. Dominating, hitting four times the woodwork in ten minutes and scoring twice still wasn't enough for Inter to kill the game and only two colossal mistakes by Corvia denied Lecce a possible equaliser.

Twelve points from the last four games mean Inter are just six points from the third spot and eight from the top. A very good run. The table doesn't lie, nor the fixture list: four consecutive wins can't be coincidence but it must be said that Fiorentina, Genoa, Cesena and Lecce [with Cagliari and Bologna] are currently the teams in the poorest form in Serie A. Some credit for Inter's improvement must be shared with the opponents. In the last four league games the Nerazzurri did what they were supposed to do: win. Wins restore confidence and Nerazzurri's body language showed self belief had come back.

Assuming Inter can't be satisfied with sixth place, we need to put these wins into perspective and consider what has been built so far and where it can go from here.

Ranieri's first problem was to improve the defensive part of the game. Numbers say he has addressed it. But still Inter concede too much. Muriel's goal was a piece of individual brilliance as Lecce's forward managed to score facing four players plus Julio Cesar. Defending wasn't great but at least Inter players were all in the right position. Far worse in the second half when Corvia missed two sitters, after Lecce's counterattack exploited huge gaps in the heart of Inter's back four.

The 4-4-2 scheme, beloved by Ranieri, looks a permanent choice. It's the worst to accommodate the likes of Alvarez, Coutinho and Sneijder - so it suggest that the Dutch playmaker’s move to Bayern Munich or Manchester United is more than a possibility. Against Lecce Coutinho was left on the bench; Alvarez started on the left then was moved to the right in the second half. When Ricky plays in a central role, he's far more unpredictable and in better position to use his passing and shooting (which are his main assets). The move that led to the assist for Milito was a [very indicative] gem.

Nagatomo was not on the scoresheet but he certainly deserved to be. After Obi's introduction, the Japanese left fullback flourished as he had finally someone as dynamic as him, capable to cover his runs, to swap positions, to play quick one-twos. Inter's third and forth came after two splendid displays of skills, determination and pace by Nagatomo (a direct answer to Ranieri's request of a 'left fullback with pace'?). On the other hand Pazzini was among the scorers but his performance was far from superb. Too many mistakes and only the abundance of chances offered by Lecce allowed him to find the net. Memorable the sitter missed at the minute 56.

In attack Ranieri started with Forlan and replaced the Uruguayan at half time with Milito, despite the post hit by the former Atletico Madrid striker at the minute 33, which was the best thing of the first 45 minutes. Milito repaid the faith scoring after only four minutes: the Prince is in better condition than Pazzini, but Ranieri rates the former Sampdoria striker as essential for this team as Eto'o used to be. Inter are improving but the impression that the squad potential is not exploited to the limit keeps growing. Team selections and tactical choices the main reasons.

Serie A 2011-12 - Day 1 (rescheduled)

INTER-LECCE 4-1

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Nagatomo; Faraoni (46' Cambiasso), Zanetti, Thiago Motta, Alvarez; Forlan (46' Milito), Pazzini (72' Obi). Coach: Ranieri
Lecce: Gabrieli; Oddo, Tomovic, Ferrario; Cuadrado, Giacomazzi, Obodo (75' Pasquato), Olivera (46' Piatti), Brivio; Muriel (53' Corvia), Di Michele. Coach: Cosmi

Referee: Guida
Goals: Pazzini 34', Milito 49', Cambiasso 73', Alvarez 81'; Muriel 19'
Yellow cards: Maicon; Obodo, Pasquato

Comments

Posted by Sanat on 12/22/2011

I missed the first half but as you pointed out - we were shockingly open to the Lecce counter-attacks in the second.

I see one main reason for this - they had a wide man with loads of pace. I do feel once Obi was on the flank to help Yuto, their counters were less effective.

I find it ridiculous for Ranieri to play our slower rather ponderous midfielders out wide.

Maicon's positioning is poor when the opposition attacks us. I could point out at least 3 occasions when the attacker closest to him had enough time and space to signal a team-mate, get the ball and screw his shot wide. Against better finishers, Miacon's lack of concentration/focus/god knows what, will cost us dearly.

Posted by Michael Dixon on 12/22/2011

I thought Ranieri handled the game well with two substitutions who scored and made improvements, plus good tactical awareness with the introduction of Obi. as the summary above mentioned. That move helped both the defensive and offensive levels on the left and resulted in two goals. Agree about the left back Nagatoma, very impressive and fast.

I thought the real weakness on the night was Thiago Motta who was caught in possession far too often and was to blame for the goal. His short passing is crisp but Cambiasso is superior and both cannot always be accommodated, hence the desire for Sneijder's return.

I thought the summary was harsh on Maicon who was quite outstanding, while Zanetti made light of his advanced years with a great performace full of know-how.

Like the article I was not convinced with Pazzini
so that is an area Ranieri will have to ponder.

Ranieri will be fully aware of the dangers posed by a fast raiding team, playing on the break against an aged team.

Posted by Bellal A. on 12/22/2011

What a match, watched it for every minute, Alvarez was world class in this match and this was the inter i am accustomed to watching, Zanetti was flawless while maicon was a beast on the right, I love how were mixing youth with veterans..i feel like this is a Manchester United type of team but we could only improve at this point!!

FORZA INTER!!

Posted by Levi on 12/22/2011

The first 20 minutes was bit uninspired, but after that inter really hammered that Lecce defense. I hope Ranieri will begin to use Forlan for two halves after the break. Milito may have finished one, but he cannot create chances the way Forlan can. He functioned very well, despite the man marking and occasional double teaming.

As for Thiago motta, he does well in defense and he adds some height in the box during set pieces. I prefer cabiasso however, for his mid-field presence. When Sneijder returns after break (hopefully) we will continue to see creativity and opportunity for our strikers even in front of a formidable defense, such as AC Milan. Will his return mark less chances for the youth?

As for Nagatomo, he continues to be the most impressive player for inter, at least in my opinion. He demonstrates such enthusiasm and fervor as is seldom seen in this game. When that defender took him out and he leapt to his feet for the assist... I am still amazed.

Posted by Connor on 12/22/2011

I think Ranieri is successfully picking up where Mourinho left off- integrating the youth with the experienced players. Mou was doing well with that and it paid off, winning the treble- however Benitez did not continue this trend and consistantly pushed the same 11 players to the starting berths, thus causing all those injuries and fatigue, as did Gasperini.
Well done to Alvarez, I'm pleased to see him become a piece of Inter's future, played very well today. Defense looked a bit static today, especially on the Lecce goal- didn't react until the ball was basically at Muriel's feet, we can't have that. Lucio or Samuel need to instantly drop their position so they aren't playing in a straight line across the back. Have one play a bit deeper to avoid these long through balls that penetrate us so easily. All in all a great effort and it showed our dominance which is great. That's the old Inter we all know and love.

Posted by Sia on 12/22/2011

I’m just happy that we are wining again, Nagatomo man of the match what performance and drive, I have to say even Forlan is jinxed, it seems all Inter forwards cannot put the ball in the net, I hope by 2012 the curse is lifted and balls start going in the goal. We hit the post 4 times; this easily could have been a bigger score for Inter.
Milito is improving; I think he is doing much more than Pazzoo or Zarate.
Cambiasso, Motta, Ricky all did well, defense is much improved since a month ago. I hope we don’t sell Sneijder in January, but it is fishy that he is completely out of the picture for now?

Posted by Aiyaz H (DC Nerazzurri) on 12/22/2011

Not much to say Gianni, but two specific observations.

First, though I'll admit that a restored defense (w/ the returns of Maicon, Lucio, and Samuel as regulars) was an early catalyst for our revival, I'm disappointed with the back line's responsiveness the last two games, despite the low number of shots on target that we've allowed. Many bungled clearances against Cesena, and too many breakaways by Lecce--even before Corvia's spectacular misses. (A case in point would be Obodo's clean chance at 61'.)

Second, I think there's a tradeoff between Cambiasso and Motta that other readers have also become attuned to: Cambiasso is better at starting transition, by going in with that leading leg and getting the ball, whereas Motta is the more precise passer for continuing transition, as a counter-attack begins (here Cambiasso's pass accuracy has dropped this year, esp. on long passes.) Something for Claudio and Beppe to ponder.

And yes, Alvarez looked great in a more central role.

Posted by Anonymous on 12/22/2011

Gianni -

I think there is a definite case to be made for the criticisms you put forth here, but my view is considerably more optimistic. In my view the end of the Gasperini era was as dark as the closing stages of the Cuper era. It looked completely hopeless. Getting out of the Champions League group and moving up the table seemed fanciful. Reaching 5th in the table before the break and closing the gap on Lazio to 4 points is an early Christmas gift that I am happy to accept.
Ranieri does seem to be playing certain players out of their best positions to fit his tactical preferences, but to me this is better than leaving them on the bench or in the stands. Alvarez has the look of someone who could be very important. Would I like to see him in the middle? Clearly. But putting him on the wing is at least putting him on the pitch. I am also fine with Obi anywhere for any amount of time, as long as he is playing. Both of these players will force their way into the team soon.

Posted by Nathan on 12/22/2011

Posted by Lawrence on 12/22/2011

I'm the happiest Nerazoro on planet earth. Ranieri is an intelligent coach but gets me infurated most time when He plays those players out of their natural positions. 4 points behind Lazio is a warning to the top 3. We can attain the same feat of 2009/2010 seasons if Ranieri sticks to MOU'S old formation 4-3-3. Maicon Lucio Samuel J.Zaniet and using Tiago Motta and Cambiaso behind Sniedjer. I'm not disturbed by whoever leads the attack. I'm so confident of winning a major trouphy this season because it's Our trademark. I'm telling You all Nerazurri that, the most coveted Champions League trouphy is attainable because We're always a Champion. GOD bless Italian football and God bless all!. Forza Internazionale Milano! From most passionate Inter fan. LAWRENCE, from Lagos Nigeria.

Posted by Robbie on 12/23/2011

For me Alvarez was the standout player today, not necessarily because he played the best of all the players on the pitch, but he began to show the immense technical ability that he has. He truly has the potential to be a 'fantasista' for Inter, a true creative, playmaking attacking midfielder that controls and dictates the tempo of the game like we haven't seen since for a long long time. Even Sneijder's style is more direct and less about running the ball - Alvarez is old school, he reminds me a lot of Rui Costa and Aimar, Riquelme type of playmaker. I was very happy to see him make one particular run down the left hand flank and he started to be challenged by two or three Lecce defenders - I thought, surely now he will pass. Then I couldn't see him, he was covered by defenders, and two seconds later, he was in the area, alone, with the ball, all the defenders falling down. They couldn't handle him. A minute later, he did the same thing again. We are seeing a future star of Inter.

Posted by Bellal A. on 12/23/2011

I agree Robbie, Alvarez is great!

Posted by Parth on 12/23/2011

Something I am wondering this whole season is that why Maicon is played as RB and not RM. Something i think we all agree is Maicon is great in attack but then doesnt track back well enough. Partly as he is past 30. Then why not play him in attack without any direct defensive responsibility. Maybe someone like Faraoni or even Zanetti can play as RB.

Posted by coach ranieri on 12/23/2011

I think this Inter team is rounding into shape well. The best 11 is evolving and Ranieri is trying to keep up and in this game was close to figuring it out. Julio Cesar looks to be in the form from two years ago. I think the four of Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, and Nagatomo have emerged as the starters on defense. Motta is a very solid player who is useful on set plays. Cambiasso is an asset in defensive midfield. Alvarez looks more comfortable to me on the right side of midfield and has earned his place in the starting lineup. I don't believe any single player has really distinguished themselves on left side of midfield between obi, zarate, and coutinho. I prefer trying out Milito and Forlan up front.

Posted by Ahmed raji on 12/23/2011

@ lawrence u wish u were d only passionate fan for inter in lagos, i am very passionate about inter(die hard).i ve told all nerazzuri critics dat its only a matter of time before we get back to the summit and raineri is proving me right, we just need the right balance nd we will get there....forza inter, interista till death

Posted by Gianni on 12/24/2011

Hi everybody, just to wish you all the best! No other blog can boast competent comments like yours. Thanks + all the best!

Posted by San-siro on 12/26/2011

I wil lik 2 see inter improvin,at d start of d seasn ppl were castigatin us but i belief were goin 2 win d treble again just hop 4 qualty signins in january FORZA INTER

Posted by Nathan on 12/26/2011

All the best to you as well Gianni.

Posted by Levi on 12/27/2011

@Coach Ranieri - You left out Zanetti the captain. Don't underestimate a veteran captain (especially one such as he) and his effect on the team. He may have been out for a game that we won, but his consistent absence would absolutely change Inter. Also you left out Sneijder, who is a game changer and will remind everyone upon his return that while Alvarez is a fantastic up-and-comer, Sneijder need compete against no one for his starting job. Mark my words. If played both in the middle; Sneijder will start. Alvarez will back up.

Posted by Mustafa on 12/27/2011

It was a good game played at the San Siro, but Inter do concede too many to points and the defence plays far too high which lets other teams poke through. If Inter were to go up against an attacking team like Arsenal or Real Madrid, Van Persie or Higuain or C. Ronaldo would enjoy themselves in the attacking half. Cambiasso is a veteran player, but he plays Defensive Midfield. In my opinion he should play a little farther back. In the absence of Sneijder, it might open up a gap between the Defense and the midfield, but the problem that we're trying to fix is conceding, right? Those are some of the ideas that I have. All in all, a good game for Inter and much improved from a month ago.

Posted by Nathan on 12/30/2011

Checking back in here as I get restless for the next match. I find the last two comments a little confusing.

@ Levi - Zanetti was left out against Fiorentina because of a red card suspension. He has played in every other match. Sneijder has been left out because he is injured.

@ Mustafa - Inter's defending was shambolic at the beginning of the year, but 3 goals conceded in the last 7 matches is something any club would accept.

Posted by coach ranieri on 01/01/2012

I worry Sneijder's success at Inter was linked with having Samuel Eto at forward.

Posted by IS-Inter on 01/03/2012

huge inter fan here... i love the way we ended the year after a disasterous start. Thanks for the blogs Gianni, i read them all the time but this is my first post.

I'm excited to start the year, and honestly i'm pretty happy with the team that we have right now (once they're all healthy)! I read rumors about how we might get tevez or balotelli and i hope we don't because while talented, they're both headcases.

I can't wait to see our full squad out there, our defense is finally looking solid and with sneijder coming back, a healthy forlan, and the emergence of alvarez, i think our strikers will start scoring more goals too! Also, i like how ranieri finally stopped playing chivu and stankovic every game! Both have given their all to inter so thanks for that, but they just aren't the same players anymore. More poli and coutinho and alvarez!

Posted by Fulvio on 01/04/2012

I think sneijder hag to leave the team. He is not a real player. he is always out for some reason and he doesn't play defense at all. i prefer alvarez cause he's more physical and he runs more than wesley. we need a good midfielder and a good outside defense cause nagatomo is not a really good player.

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