The Inter-View: From Trebles To Last Chance Coppa
The devastating loss that resulted in knocking out the reigning European Champions seemed to have cast a shadow of uncertainty on the normally confident Inter players thus resulting in the shock loss to Parma this past weekend. This was not the Inter squad that many had been accustomed to watching. The well-oiled winning machine of recent years was nowhere to be seen.
The Parma defeat was significant due to the rhetoric reflected in pre-match interviews regarding the reiteration of the players’ will to win. Unfortunately, the result was not the benchmark that Inter wanted to place into action. The match lacked the usual fire and intensity characterized by the treble-winning Nerazzurri. Other talking points were Leonardo’s continued shock exclusions, this time of Maicon and Thiago Motta. The missing players were not called up due to “technical reasons.” Leonardo apparently wanted to send a message but what message was sent is unclear.
It seemed that a season filled with injuries and emotional instability had taken its toll. With this being said, Interisti may find joy again with yesterday’s away win against Roma in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final. Although Inter had experienced four losses in the past five matches last night’s win brought a resurgence of hope back into the Nerazzurri camp.
Yesterday’s match exemplified the tense rivalry between Inter and the Giallorossi. These two sides have met multiple times within years past, specifically in the Coppa Italia, culminating in last year’s win over Roma in the final for Inter’s first piece of silverware of that magical season.
The match started with a frenetic pace as Dejan Stankovic put the ball in the back of the net within the first minute. The goal was nullified due to a slight push on Juan, although the defender also collided heavily with his goalkeeper, Doni. Minutes later, Mirko Vucinic had a stellar chance to put Roma ahead but missed an open net by misfiring it a few yards wide of Julio Cesar and the goal. Both sides had ample possession and opportunities regarding penalty claims though Daniele De Rossi was fortunate to escape two possible handballs. With the pace of the match it was a surprise to see that in the closing minutes of the first half the scoreline remained 0-0. Therefore it was shocking to see Stankovic ensure more highlight reel material by slamming home yet another brilliant goal just before halftime.
Recent defensive woes that left Inter with uncertainty in the backline seemed a distant memory as Lucio showed that his brilliant defensive form had returned. He anchored the central defense and made sure that Inter kept a much needed clean sheet. Overall, it was a match filled with pace and intensity from both sides until late in the game as the Nerazzurri clamped down defensively to seal the victory.
Inter captain, Javier Zanetti, said it best as he spoke to Rai Sport after the 1-0 victory. “(Today was) an important victory in a stadium that is never easy. It followed a difficult moment, and I think that this evening Inter showed a great response.”
The question remains how the players will react after yesterday’s win. Will an inconsistent performance follow yesterday’s result or will Inter harness the energy from winning to finish out the rest of the season in a strong fashion? Many will find out with the upcoming home fixture this weekend against Lazio. This is not the same team that Inter faced at the end of last season. They are currently fourth in league play and are only three points behind Inter. Lazio will be pressing Inter at home for assurance of a coveted automatic Champions League spot. Inter will have their hands full but if the Nerazzurri demonstrates courage and character then it looks like the end of this season may still look promising. Yesterday’s match may be a catalyst for the rest of Inter’s season.
Dejan Stankovic, The Human Highlight Reel
