Hard-Fought Victory: Beyond Lautaro's European Second Record, Inter Milan's Unsung Heroes Deserve Recognition

In a rainy battle, Inter Milan managed to conquer Atalanta’s formidable home ground, where they had previously secured four wins and one draw in five matches without conceding a single goal. This victory granted Inter three crucial points, marking their ninth win in the first eleven rounds of the season—one of the best starts in the club’s history. However, despite the triumph, manager Simone Inzaghi had reasons to be concerned. This victory, though significant, came at a great cost.

Exhaustion and Injuries Take a Toll

Firstly, the physical toll on the players was immense. Inter covered a distance of 119,205 meters during the match, a workload comparable to that of a Champions League knockout stage game. With a back-to-back Champions League fixture coming up next week, the challenge becomes even more daunting.

Secondly, the officiating left much to be desired. Matches between Atalanta and Inter at Atalanta’s home ground are known for their physicality, and the referee’s lenient approach exacerbated the situation. Fouls that would typically warrant a booking went unpunished, leading to a rougher and more hazardous game environment.

Thirdly, Benjamin Pavard’s potential serious injury could have long-term repercussions for Inter. Post-match, Inzaghi expressed his concern multiple times, noting that Pavard’s patella had to be repositioned by the team doctor, and the prospect of losing him for an extended period was a significant worry. Despite Pavard’s post-match demeanor, which seemed relatively upbeat, with him joining in goal celebrations and posting updates, the coaching and medical staff remain pessimistic, fearing ligament damage that could sideline him for 6-8 weeks. As Inzaghi put it, “Let’s pray for Pavard.”

Despite these challenges, Inter managed to avoid the worst-case scenario—losing the game despite heavy costs. Lautaro Martinez was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant goal reminiscent of Marcus Thuram in the derby. This goal allowed Lautaro to set multiple records: with 12 goals in 11 matches, he became the highest-scoring Inter player in Serie A’s first 11 rounds since 1958, and one of the top three scorers in Europe’s top five leagues this season. In the calendar year of 2023, his tally of 26 league goals makes him the second-highest scorer in the top five European leagues, only behind Harry Kane’s 30 goals. Additionally, Hakan Çalhanoğlu continued his perfect streak from the penalty spot, scoring his 10th consecutive penalty, equaling the record for most goals by a Turkish player in Serie A.

Unsung Heroes Step Up

However, beyond these headline-grabbing performances, several lesser-known players played pivotal roles and deserve recognition.

Nicolò Barella

Barella, often criticized this season for his perceived lack of impact, delivered an outstanding performance. Known for his tireless running, he covered 13,576 meters during the match, the most by any player on the field. His defensive contributions included two clearances, one tackle, and two interceptions. Offensively, he completed three dribbles (two successful) and created a golden scoring opportunity. His ability to cover large areas of the pitch nullified Atalanta’s aggressive pressing, making their efforts largely ineffective. Despite receiving criticism this season, partly due to the departure of key players like Marcelo Brozović, which required Barella to adjust his role for the team’s balance, his true value shone through in this hard-fought battle.

Stefan de Vrij

With Alessandro Bastoni not featuring (a “technical choice” according to Inzaghi), Stefan de Vrij stepped up significantly. The Dutch center-back made four clearances, one interception, and three tackles, achieving a 100% success rate in ground duels. Additionally, his forward passing often stood out, proving his value not just in “easy” games but also in crucial encounters. De Vrij’s performance demonstrated that he should not be seen merely as a backup for less challenging matches but as a reliable option in key situations.

Matteo Darmian

Pavard’s injury thrust Matteo Darmian into an unexpected and challenging role. Having predominantly played as a wing-back recently, Darmian had to adapt quickly to a central defensive position. Despite the sudden nature of his substitution and the physicality of the game, exacerbated by the referee’s lenient approach, Darmian excelled. He made three clearances, one interception, one tackle, and blocked a crucial shot. Moreover, he won the penalty that helped Inter break the deadlock. Darmian’s versatility and preparedness to step into various roles make him an invaluable asset for Inter, providing a sense of security in a team frequently facing a congested schedule.

A Grueling Contest of Will and Determination

The match was a brutal contest, with a total of 129 ground and aerial duels. Inter won 71 of these, thwarting Atalanta’s well-prepared strategies. While the contributions of star players like Lautaro and Çalhanoğlu were vital, the “unsung” efforts of players like Barella, de Vrij, and Darmian were equally crucial. These players exemplified the team’s resilience and depth, proving that Inter possesses a wealth of talent ready to step up when needed.

Inter Milan’s victory against Atalanta was more than just a testament to their star players’ prowess; it was a showcase of their squad’s depth and determination. As the season progresses, these unsung heroes will undoubtedly continue to play pivotal roles in the team’s pursuit of success. Their contributions, often overshadowed by more glamorous performances, are the bedrock upon which Inter’s aspirations are built.