The early tremors of the Serie A season have quickly escalated into a full-blown earthquake for Inter Milan. What was anticipated to be a season of renewed ambition has instead begun with a perplexing series of defeats, leaving the Nerazzurri languishing in the standings and their coaching staff under intense scrutiny. As rivals Juventus unexpectedly soar and Napoli maintains its formidable pace, Inter finds itself in a precarious position, grappling with issues that extend far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
The Unraveling Narrative: A Season of Discontent
Three games into the new campaign, Inter finds itself six points adrift of the leaders, a chasm that feels far wider given the circumstances of their recent losses. The defeat against perennial rivals Juventus, followed by an unexpected home loss to Udinese, paints a grim picture. This isn`t just a poor start; it appears to be a continuation of a downward spiral that began much earlier in the year. The spring of the previous season saw Inter lose every major trophy within reach: the Coppa Italia (to Milan), the Scudetto (to Napoli), the Champions League (to PSG), and even the Club World Cup (to Fluminense).
This unsettling pattern begs the question: is it merely bad luck, or are there deeper, systemic issues at play? The consensus from observers suggests the latter. The summer transfer window, often a period of strategic renewal, seems to have done little to staunch the bleeding, while the appointment of an inexperienced coach has introduced an element of uncertainty that the club could ill afford.
The Chivu Conundrum: Inexperience Meets Inertia
Cristian Chivu, thrust into the hot seat with a mere thirteen Serie A games under his belt as a head coach, embodies the club`s current predicament. His predecessor, Simone Inzaghi, may have had his flaws, but Chivu`s approach thus far has been an intriguing, if baffling, attempt to “change everything by changing nothing.” He appears determined to alter Inter`s style of play and reverse their fortunes using largely the same cohort of players that presided over last season`s ignominious collapses. It`s an ambition that, at first glance, seems to fly in the face of footballing logic, suggesting a hope that the same ingredients will miraculously produce a different, more palatable dish.
The early returns on this strategy have been less than promising. The team`s defensive frailties, which saw them concede four goals against Juventus and six across three games, have only worsened. Furthermore, Chivu`s squad selection has raised eyebrows. In the decisive match against Juventus, the starting eleven saw only one new face, Akanji, hastily deployed after previous defensive blunders. More surprisingly, when tactical changes were needed mid-game, Chivu often opted for familiar, arguably underperforming, veterans over expensive summer acquisitions. Luis Henrique, a €25 million investment, remained largely on the bench, while Darmian was preferred on the flank. Even the substitution of star striker Lautaro Martinez, albeit on an off-day, for Bonny instead of Esposito, left many questioning the coach`s rationale. One might wonder if the club`s significant outlay in the market was merely for decorative purposes, to be admired from the dugout rather than unleashed on the field.
The Market`s Echoes: Missed Opportunities and Misplaced Priorities
The transfer market, too, has become a focal point of criticism. The feeling is that Inter needed a substantial overhaul among its core starters, rather than a mere reshuffling of reserves. The demand was for a clear break from the recent past, injecting fresh energy and enthusiasm into a squad seemingly burdened by disappointment and internal tensions. Particular attention was drawn to the defense, where genuine reinforcement seemed lacking, and even the goalkeeper, Sommer, was not subjected to the deep evaluation many believed necessary. The alleged refusal of a €32 million offer for Bisseck, a player whose performances have been less than stellar, further highlights what critics perceive as misjudged priorities in the club`s recruitment strategy.
The Contrasting Fortunes: Juventus` Surprise Ascent and Napoli`s Dominance
In stark contrast to Inter`s woes, Juventus has emerged as the league`s pleasant surprise. Despite entering the season with a degree of skepticism due to perceived shortcomings in their transfer activities, the Bianconeri have stormed to a perfect start. Under the guidance of coach Igor Tudor, they`ve demonstrated an “extraordinary will to win,” particularly evident in their victory over Inter, powered by the burgeoning talents of youngsters Yildiz and Adzic. Juventus has reminded everyone that, despite any pre-season doubts, dismissing them from the Scudetto race is often a tactical error.
Meanwhile, Napoli continues to be the benchmark, showcasing a level of play that no other team currently seems capable of matching. Strengthened by the arrival of players like Hojlund, they look set to challenge for top honors once again, enjoying a serenity that stands in stark contrast to the turmoil brewing in Milan.
The Road Ahead: An Urgent Call for Change
Inter Milan finds itself at a critical juncture. The current trajectory is unsustainable, and a rapid course correction is imperative. The experiment of seeking radical change in performance without fundamental shifts in personnel or a clear, experienced tactical vision appears to be faltering. Whether Chivu can engineer an immediate and significant inversion of this trend remains to be seen. The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the resilience of the squad, the strategic acumen of the coach, and the patience of a fanbase that yearns for stability and success. The question is not if Inter needs to change, but how quickly and decisively it can do so before this crisis deepens beyond redemption.