Beyond Four Records, Inter Milan's Greatest Gain: A Heartwarming Tale of Rivalry and Respect Between Two Stars

Despite the narrow 1-0 scoreline, Inter Milan's victory over AS Roma was nothing short of a complete triumph. The most gratifying moment for the Nerazzurri came when Romelu Lukaku, who had defiantly ignored the pre-match jeers, left the pitch displaying the classic demeanor of a defeated player. This performance starkly contrasted with his self-proclaimed excellence and resilience. The match highlighted four notable records for Inter, which are worth discussing in detail.

Record-Breaking Start in Serie A

First, Inter's accumulation of 25 points from their first 10 matches marks the club's third-best start in the three-point era. Only in the 1997-98 and 2017-18 seasons did they do better, with 26 points from the first 10 games. This solid start provides Inter with a confidence boost as they prepare to face Juventus and Napoli in the upcoming fixtures. It also gives the coach valuable insights into handling the grueling schedule, as the rotation strategy paid off perfectly in this match. Key players like Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco performed admirably, while efforts from others like Francesco Acerbi ensured that the numerous whistles from the crowd were ineffective—Lukaku barely touched the ball and was pocketed effectively.

Thuram's Impressive Debut Season

Second, Marcus Thuram's tally of 4 goals and 5 assists in the first 10 matches, contributing to nine goals overall, sets a new record for a debut season by a new signing since detailed assist statistics began in the 2004-05 season. Inter fans now jokingly ask, "Lukaku? Who is that?" as they celebrate Thuram's outstanding contributions.

Dimarco's Record-Breaking Performance

Third, Federico Dimarco has already notched four assists this season, achieving a personal best for a single Serie A campaign just 10 matches in. Dimarco's motivation to teach Lukaku a lesson was evident, especially after Lukaku skipped the weddings of his friends Lautaro Martínez and Dimarco during the summer, signaling a complete severance of ties. Despite the pressure from the coach's expectations and media hype, Dimarco delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his big-match temperament.

Roma's Historic Lack of Offense

Fourth, Roma's dismal attacking display was unprecedented. They registered zero shots in the first half and didn't have a single shot until the 65th minute, setting a new low in the OPTA-monitored Serie A era (since the 2004-05 season). This indicates that with proper rotation, Inter can play at an intensity level that leaves opponents struggling to cope. Despite dominating the game, Inter found it challenging to break the deadlock due to a combination of the woodwork, Roma's deep defensive stance, and some bad luck. When a dominant performance doesn’t yield three points, the coach’s strategic adjustments become crucial. Few expected Kristjan Asllani to be the key to unlocking the game. Coming off the bench, Asllani's energetic performance included interceptions, clearances, and a threatening long-range shot. Most notably, his accurate long pass set up Dimarco, leading to the winning goal. This was not the first time Asllani has initiated a goal with such a play since the preseason.

Asllani's Growth and Potential

Asllani’s strengths lie in his stamina, vision, and precision with long passes and set pieces. His weaknesses, primarily his physical frailty, have been a hindrance in his first year at Inter. However, recent improvements in his physical conditioning and the confidence gained from increased playing time have allowed Asllani to showcase his skills more effectively. His crucial contribution in the Roma match will likely boost his confidence and earn him more trust from the coach. If he continues this upward trajectory, Asllani could see a significant rise in his market value and more opportunities in both the national team and Inter.

A Tale of Rivalry and Respect

Interestingly, after the victory over Roma, both Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Asllani expressed mutual admiration, dispelling any notion of a bitter rivalry. Çalhanoğlu praised Asllani's progress, advising him to be more aggressive and confident. Asllani, in turn, called Çalhanoğlu one of the best players in the world, from whom he has learned a lot. This mutual respect and mentorship highlight a harmonious dynamic within the team. Despite competing for similar roles, their relationship exemplifies the balance between competition and camaraderie, crucial for team cohesion.

Çalhanoğlu’s switch to a deep-lying playmaker role is relatively recent, and he remains versatile enough to coexist with Asllani. His primary goal since joining Inter from AC Milan is to win the Serie A title, an achievement that would redeem his career and elevate his legacy. Understanding that Asllani’s involvement could provide strategic depth during a congested schedule, Çalhanoğlu supports his teammate’s development.

Conclusion: Unity in Pursuit of Glory

This spirit of mentorship and teamwork is as valuable to Inter as the three points earned against Roma. It underscores a culture where individual growth and team success go hand in hand. As Inter Milan navigate the challenges of the season, the unity and mutual support among players will be a cornerstone of their pursuit of glory in Serie A and beyond.