AC Milan's Witch Hunt Affects Inter Milan: The Emergence of the "480 Professor" from the Shadows of Giants

In the world of football, rhetoric is often used to comment on matches and situations, with comparisons being a favorite tool. Currently, AC Milan is struggling with poor performance and a slew of injuries, prompting fans and Italian media to launch a fierce witch hunt for scapegoats. In this storm, Milan’s fitness coach, Stefano Austi, has been painted as a villain and demon. Simultaneously, the Italian media are lavishly praising Inter Milan's fitness coach, Fabio Ripert, creating a stark contrast. This situation has unintentionally thrust Inter’s staff into the spotlight. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows Ripert to finally step out of the shadow of his predecessor, Antonio Pintus.

In this era, when a torrent of blame is directed at an individual, it can be described as a "barrage of criticism." A prime example is Klaassen, who faced a deluge of ridicule from fans worldwide on Twitter, Instagram, Weibo, and forums following Inter’s 3-3 draw with Benfica. Some criticisms were warranted, such as his failure to integrate into the system, while others were baseless, such as accusations of laziness. Those who watched the match knew that while he struggled with positioning, calling the team’s top runner lazy was mere bandwagon jumping. However, when blame becomes a trend, not everyone respects the facts, a common phenomenon in football.

AC Milan's current plight is dire, with the team suffering 25 different injuries this season, 18 of which are muscle injuries. Players like Kalulu, Pellegrino, Kjaer, and Caldara are all sidelined, and now, Jaff's injury has compounded the situation. Medical experts suggest that Jaff might be out for 10-12 weeks, and in extreme cases, his season could be prematurely over. Italian media have begun analyzing the situation. Some outlets, like Sky Italia, objectively point out that multiple factors, including summer training schedules, current tactics, and pre-transfer evaluations, need improvement. Others, including leaders of fan groups from the South Stand, prefer a simpler approach—scapegoating Austi as the sole culprit, suggesting that firing him would solve all problems.

The Gazzetta dello Sport noted that AC Milan faced a similar injury crisis in 2017, leading to the dismissal of fitness coach Emanuele Marra. This time, Austi might meet the same fate. While the media heavily criticize Austi, they simultaneously praise Inter’s fitness coach, Fabio Ripert. Known as "Prof 480," Ripert joined Inter over two years ago, replacing Pintus. Initially, he faced criticism, often compared unfavorably to Pintus. However, due to the contrasting fortunes of the two Milan clubs, Ripert is now receiving unprecedented praise.

Fabio Ripert, a Roman, has worked with Simone Inzaghi for 14 years, managing fitness, muscle recovery, and post-match therapy. During their time at Lazio's youth academy, Inzaghi's players often remained energetic even in the last stages of grueling matches, thanks to Ripert’s fitness regimen. After four games with extra time in a ten-day period, Ripert's meticulous preparation earned him the nickname "480 Professor."

Following Conte’s departure, Inter’s world-class fitness coach, Pintus, also left, and Ripert took over. In the past two seasons, Inter has struggled with endurance issues, notably a fitness crisis from February to April in the 2021-22 season, which cost them the title. Last season, despite impressive Champions League results, Inter lost 12 league matches, again due to stamina issues. Essentially, Inter relies on physical fitness for their game, and when they run out of steam, their performance drops significantly.

Despite the criticisms, it’s important to recognize Ripert’s contributions. Over the past two years, except for exceptional cases like "The Two Priests," most of Inter's muscle-injured players have recovered on schedule under his care, unlike other major teams that frequently face delayed returns, misdiagnoses, and reoccurring injuries. This proves that Ripert’s work is solid.

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has repeatedly mentioned the team’s better injury management compared to rivals like AC Milan and Roma, crediting the coaching staff’s diligent work. This season, with Inzaghi implementing significant rotations in the Champions League, there’s reason to expect better endurance in the second half of the season. This improvement comes after learning from the past two years' experiences.

In the current scenario, the praise for Inter’s "480 Professor," albeit for various reasons, is a positive development. If Ripert can use this opportunity to step out of Pintus’s shadow and work more calmly, Inter stands to benefit. This recognition, even if it stems from the contrasting fortunes of Milan's clubs, is well-deserved.

The fitness issues at AC Milan have reached a critical point. With a staggering 25 different injuries this season, including 18 muscle injuries, the team’s performance has been severely hampered. Players like Kalulu, Pellegrino, Kjaer, and Caldara have all been sidelined, and now the injury to Jaff has further exacerbated the situation. Medical experts suggest that Jaff might be out for 10-12 weeks, and in extreme cases, his season could be prematurely over.

Italian media have begun analyzing the situation. Some outlets, like Sky Italia, objectively point out that multiple factors, including summer training schedules, current tactics, and pre-transfer evaluations, need improvement. Others, including leaders of fan groups from the South Stand, prefer a simpler approach—scapegoating Austi as the sole culprit, suggesting that firing him would solve all problems.

The Gazzetta dello Sport noted that AC Milan faced a similar injury crisis in 2017, leading to the dismissal of fitness coach Emanuele Marra. This time, Austi might meet the same fate. While the media heavily criticize Austi, they simultaneously praise Inter’s fitness coach, Fabio Ripert. Known as "Prof 480," Ripert joined Inter over two years ago, replacing Pintus. Initially, he faced criticism, often compared unfavorably to Pintus. However, due to the contrasting fortunes of the two Milan clubs, Ripert is now receiving unprecedented praise.

Fabio Ripert, a Roman, has worked with Simone Inzaghi for 14 years, managing fitness, muscle recovery, and post-match therapy. During their time at Lazio's youth academy, Inzaghi's players often remained energetic even in the last stages of grueling matches, thanks to Ripert’s fitness regimen. After four games with extra time in a ten-day period, Ripert's meticulous preparation earned him the nickname "480 Professor."

Following Conte’s departure, Inter’s world-class fitness coach, Pintus, also left, and Ripert took over. In the past two seasons, Inter has struggled with endurance issues, notably a fitness crisis from February to April in the 2021-22 season, which cost them the title. Last season, despite impressive Champions League results, Inter lost 12 league matches, again due to stamina issues. Essentially, Inter relies on physical fitness for their game, and when they run out of steam, their performance drops significantly.

Despite the criticisms, it’s important to recognize Ripert’s contributions. Over the past two years, except for exceptional cases like "The Two Priests," most of Inter's muscle-injured players have recovered on schedule under his care, unlike other major teams that frequently face delayed returns, misdiagnoses, and reoccurring injuries. This proves that Ripert’s work is solid.

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has repeatedly mentioned the team’s better injury management compared to rivals like AC Milan and Roma, crediting the coaching staff’s diligent work. This season, with Inzaghi implementing significant rotations in the Champions League, there’s reason to expect better endurance in the second half of the season. This improvement comes after learning from the past two years' experiences.

In the current scenario, the praise for Inter’s "480 Professor," albeit for various reasons, is a positive development. If Ripert can use this opportunity to step out of Pintus’s shadow and work more calmly, Inter stands to benefit. This recognition, even if it stems from the contrasting fortunes of Milan's clubs, is well-deserved.