Does Inter Milan Have Europe's Best Deep-Lying Playmaker? Dominant Midfield Exposes Allegri's Excuses

The clash between Inter Milan and Juventus in Serie A is always a focal point of public attention in Italy. The aftermath of their latest encounter sparked significant controversy due to the statements made by both managers. Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan's head coach, remarked, "A 1-0 scoreline is too small. We had many chances, but Juventus had Szczesny." Meanwhile, Juventus' head coach Massimiliano Allegri commented, "Both sides had scoring opportunities in the second half." This statement caused a stir, with many fans questioning, "Where were Juventus' chances?"

In today's era of football, with meticulous and detailed video analysis available, it's no longer possible for influential figures to shape narratives simply through words. A thorough examination of touch maps from the match reveals that Juventus had only two touches in Inter's penalty area, compared to Inter's 20, highlighting a tenfold disparity. Forget scoring opportunities, Juventus struggled just to make touches within Inter's box.

This situation arose primarily because Inter's midfield completely dominated Juventus'. This dominance had two notable consequences. First, during the post-match press conference, journalists pressed Allegri on why Juventus' substitutions were far less effective than Inter's. Allegri offered a slew of excuses, ranging from "experience" to "we haven't played such matches in three years," which failed to convince many. The root of this questioning lies in the midfield battle. Allegri used three of his five substitutions to adjust the midfield in his 3-5-2 system (or four if considering the formation as 3-5-1-1 or 3-6-1 with Yildiz's positioning), yet the changes had little impact. Juventus tried various tactics but couldn't alter the midfield imbalance.

Secondly, when Inzaghi was asked if Hakan Çalhanoğlu is one of the best deep-lying playmakers in modern football, he proudly affirmed, "Absolutely, he's outstanding. But after a match like this, it's best to praise all the players. From the forwards to the defenders, everyone did well." Calling Çalhanoğlu the best in Europe might be contentious, but asserting that he played at an elite level in this match is indisputable. With 126 touches, 106 passes (100 completed), two clearances, two interceptions, one tackle, and a 100% duel success rate, his performance was extraordinary. His 60-meter pass to create a goal-scoring opportunity was something few can replicate.

Inzaghi's Tactical Masterclass

Before the match, Inzaghi emphasized the importance of coverage against Juventus, stating, "This will be a closely contested game. We must use our brains and hearts, be prepared for all challenges, and provide additional support for teammates facing difficulties, covering as much ground as possible." This strategy was perfectly embodied by Çalhanoğlu, who covered 12,617 meters (second-most in the match), and was omnipresent both horizontally and vertically.

In modern football, it’s not uncommon to see players completing over 100 passes with a 90% success rate in a single game. However, most of these passes are often safe, backward or lateral. Çalhanoğlu’s passes in this match were different; half of them were aggressive, forward, or cross-field passes. He completed 50 passes of 15 meters or more (44 accurate) and 12 passes over 30 meters (8 accurate), showcasing exceptional accuracy and vision.

This exceptional performance explains why young talents like Asllani find it difficult to break into the starting lineup at Inter. It's not due to a lack of effort or skill, but rather because the incumbent is simply too formidable.

Inter's Depth and Confidence

With such a commanding presence in midfield, Inzaghi exuded confidence after the match. Leading the league by four points with a game in hand, he expressed his intention to focus more on the Champions League knockout stages, where Inter will face Atletico Madrid, a team with a similarly robust and defensive style to Juventus.

When asked if Inter had matured, Inzaghi responded, "Yes, I agree. But there are still four months of intense competition ahead. Are we confident in Europe? That’s our goal. The Champions League is about to restart. Last season was exceptional, and we aim to replicate that. Facing Atletico in the Round of 16 sets a very high bar."

The Allegri Dilemma

In stark contrast, Allegri's post-match explanations fell flat. Despite his claims of Juventus having chances in the second half, the reality was starkly different. The touch map clearly showed Juventus' struggles to penetrate Inter’s defense, with only two touches in the opposition box throughout the match.

Journalists pressed Allegri on his ineffective substitutions and the overall poor performance of his midfield. His attempts to attribute the lackluster display to "experience" and the team's unfamiliarity with high-stakes matches were met with skepticism. The core issue was Juventus' inability to compete in the midfield, an area where they have traditionally excelled.

Allegri’s tactical adjustments failed to counter Inter's dominance. His decision to make multiple midfield changes during the match aimed at stabilizing the team only highlighted Juventus' inadequacies. The team struggled to transition from defense to attack, often losing possession in critical areas.

Çalhanoğlu's Pivotal Role

Çalhanoğlu’s performance was the cornerstone of Inter’s success. His ability to dictate the tempo, distribute the ball accurately, and cover immense ground was instrumental in nullifying Juventus' midfield. His exceptional passing range, combined with his defensive contributions, made him the standout player of the match.

Inzaghi’s tactical acumen was evident in how he utilized Çalhanoğlu. By placing him in a deep-lying playmaker role, Inzaghi maximized his strengths, allowing him to orchestrate play from the back while providing defensive stability. This strategic move not only neutralized Juventus' attacks but also allowed Inter to control the game.

Looking Ahead

Inter's comprehensive victory over Juventus highlights the team’s evolution under Inzaghi. With a commanding presence in midfield, led by the likes of Çalhanoğlu, Inter are well-positioned to challenge for both domestic and European honors. Inzaghi's ability to instill confidence and tactical discipline in his squad has been crucial in their recent success.

As the season progresses, maintaining this level of performance will be key. With tough fixtures ahead, including the Champions League knockout stages, Inter must continue to build on their strengths. The combination of tactical intelligence, player form, and psychological resilience will determine their success in the coming months.

Juventus' Struggles

For Juventus, the defeat to Inter is a wake-up call. The team’s inability to compete effectively in midfield exposed several weaknesses that need addressing. Allegri must find solutions to enhance their midfield presence and improve their transition play.

The lack of effective substitutions and tactical adjustments in the match against Inter underscores a broader issue within the squad. Juventus must regain their competitive edge and adapt to the evolving dynamics of Serie A to secure a top-four finish.

Conclusion

Inter Milan’s dominant performance against Juventus, spearheaded by Çalhanoğlu, showcased their midfield superiority and tactical prowess. Inzaghi’s strategic mastery and Çalhanoğlu’s exceptional play were instrumental in exposing Juventus' deficiencies. As the season intensifies, Inter’s ability to maintain their form will be critical in their quest for silverware, while Juventus must address their shortcomings to remain competitive.