Crisis at Inter: Injury Woes Expand as Brazilian International and Top Data Magician Considered for Position Shift

As the Derby d’Italia looms on the horizon, Inter Milan finds itself grappling with a slew of unfortunate news. One such example is the ongoing controversy around Serie A refereeing errors, as highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. Over the past four seasons, Juventus has consistently benefited from refereeing mistakes, topping the league in this regard three times and finishing second once. In contrast, Inter Milan has found itself on the losing end more often, with three seasons showing a net disadvantage from these errors. While the sheer number of mistakes might not fully encapsulate the issue, the critical ones that affect points clearly favor Juventus, leaving Inter with no room for complacency. To contend for the title, Inter must accumulate significantly more points on the field.

Turning to the imminent derby and the broader competitive landscape, Simone Inzaghi faces significant headaches. Firstly, Benjamin Pavard's return is delayed beyond expectations, with doubts about his availability even by the year's end. Alessandro Bastoni’s medical results were less than encouraging; although his calf injury is not severe, his history with injuries in that area necessitates caution, potentially sidelining him beyond the derby. Additionally, Marko Arnautović's painful reaction to a thigh collision during Austria's 2-0 win over Estonia adds to Inter’s concerns. His condition requires further evaluation, but fortunately, the injury is to his right leg, not the previously injured left thigh flexor.

The so-called "FIFA virus" and a spate of recent injuries exacerbate Inter’s anxieties. The primary concern now is the concentration of injuries in the defensive line, leading to a severe shortage of players. With Pavard and Bastoni out and Juan Cuadrado dealing with inflammation, Inter lacks the depth to handle three tough matches in a week against Juventus, Benfica, and Napoli. Even though the Benfica game has limited significance, the €2.8 million prize for a win ensures Inter cannot field a wholly second-string side. Complicating matters, the Italian national team has placed significant pressure on Matteo Darmian, vital for Italy's crucial matches, further straining Inter’s defensive options.

Given the circumstances, what can Inter do? Italian media suggests two potential solutions. The first is to entrust the responsibility to a young star, specifically Bisseck. However, this option is fraught with risk. Inter’s critical environment has not been kind to young talents. Recently, Bisseck earned his first start after a prolonged wait since joining from Salzburg, performing decently under challenging circumstances. Yet, the response was mixed, with many experts and critics unfairly comparing him to high-priced Premier League talents. This reveals the harsh reality that Inter’s young players face, where even low-cost signings are held to unrealistic standards, potentially stunting their development.

Fielding Bisseck in high-stakes matches against Juventus and Napoli might not be the best approach. Young players need a supportive environment to grow, and thrusting them into critical games with high pressure could backfire. Last season’s example of Bellanova illustrates this well; his rare appearances were marred by mistakes, leading to harsh criticism from the North Stand, damaging his confidence. If Bisseck, a €7 million investment, is similarly mishandled, it could be a significant loss for the club.

The second solution is a positional shuffle, moving either Federico Dimarco or Carlos Augusto to a central defensive role in specific match situations. This approach has garnered support from many passionate commentators and journalists. Upcoming national team matches will see both players feature, with Dimarco playing for Italy and Augusto for Brazil. Their performances in their respective teams’ back-four systems, as opposed to Inter’s usual 3-5-2, will be closely monitored.

Among the two, experts favor Augusto for the central defensive role. Statistically, Dimarco stands out as the world’s top wing-back in terms of key passes and expected assists, according to CIES. Moving him could hinder Inter’s offensive and organizational capabilities. On the other hand, Augusto’s strength and defensive background make him a more suitable candidate for the role. His career began with a focus on defense, which might give him an edge in adapting to a central position.

In summary, the injury crisis before the Derby d’Italia poses significant challenges for Inter Milan, but the club is not without options. The potential reshuffle involving Dimarco and Augusto offers a pragmatic solution to their defensive woes, albeit one that requires careful consideration and monitoring. As the derby approaches, Inter fans and management alike will be hoping for a positive outcome amid these testing times.