Inter Coach Inzaghi Begins Defensive Overhaul: Boosting Sommer's Confidence and Addressing Last-Minute Lapses

The aftermath of Inter Milan's 4-4 draw with Juventus has sparked a call to action within the club, particularly focused on their defensive performances. Manager Simone Inzaghi, preparing his team for the upcoming match against Empoli, has implemented a comprehensive “defensive overhaul” to address critical issues. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport reveal that Inzaghi held a video analysis session with the team, reviewing the mistakes made in the Juventus game, where Inter twice squandered a two-goal lead. With limited options to alter personnel due to injuries and fitness levels, Inzaghi has decided to focus on “soft skills,” aiming to improve the team’s defensive mentality, concentration, and resilience. Here’s a deeper look into Inzaghi’s strategy for revitalizing Inter’s defense as they push forward into a packed schedule.

Recognizing Defensive Weaknesses: A Needed Overhaul

Inzaghi’s tactical adjustments follow a troubling pattern in recent Inter performances. Despite building early leads, Inter has consistently struggled to maintain defensive stability, often allowing opponents back into games. This season, the issue was most pronounced in the high-stakes derby against Juventus. Inter built up a comfortable two-goal advantage but conceded in quick succession, resulting in a 4-4 draw that left the team and fans frustrated.

After similar scenarios earlier this season, where Inter squandered leads due to defensive lapses, Inzaghi has acknowledged the need for a psychological reset. In past matches, Inzaghi was quick to cite missed offensive opportunities as the root cause for not securing wins, often emphasizing the need to score more goals. However, the Juventus draw suggests a more foundational issue: even with a two-goal cushion, Inter lacks the defensive confidence to see matches through.

This is a significant shift in mentality for Inter. Earlier in the season, Inzaghi argued that converting more scoring opportunities would ensure victory. Now, however, even a two-goal lead is proving insufficient to secure wins, reflecting a waning belief in Inter’s defensive stability. This lack of confidence underscores the need for Inzaghi to reinforce trust in the defensive unit and instill a sense of resilience among players.

Restoring Confidence in Goalkeeper Yann Sommer

Among the defensive challenges, Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer has become a focal point for criticism. Following the Juventus match, Inzaghi highlighted the team’s efficiency issues, noting that Juventus managed four goals from five shots on target. Sommer’s performance this season has been inconsistent, a stark contrast to his stability last season. So far, Inter has faced 38 shots on target in Serie A, conceding 13 goals, with Sommer’s save rate standing at 68.4%. While slightly better than AC Milan’s 67.9%, it is far below the 90% save rate achieved by Juventus and Napoli’s 81.8%.

Inzaghi and his staff have recognized that Sommer’s occasional lapses in focus could contribute to his fluctuating form. While some defensive players have also experienced lapses, for Sommer, these instances are more noticeable due to the critical nature of his position. The coaching staff attributes Sommer’s inconsistent performances in part to mental fatigue—a phenomenon affecting several players following Inter’s successful season, which created high expectations and perhaps a degree of complacency.

Despite Sommer’s struggles, Inzaghi remains confident in the Swiss goalkeeper. Inter’s recent signing of Josep Martínez from Red Bull Salzburg has not shifted Inzaghi’s trust in Sommer. Instead, Inzaghi has emphasized that Sommer’s contributions will continue to play an essential role as Inter looks to regain stability in the backline. By boosting Sommer’s confidence and showing support, Inzaghi aims to help him recapture the consistency that made him a reliable option last season.

Concentration and Closing Out Games

One of the most pressing concerns for Inter this season is their tendency to concede late goals. Analysis of Inter’s defensive record reveals that six of their 13 goals conceded in Serie A have occurred in the final nine minutes of matches. Against teams like Genoa, Monza, Udinese, and, notably, in the Milan and Juventus derbies, Inter has shown a pattern of last-minute lapses that have cost them valuable points. These late-game lapses are a primary concern for Inzaghi and his staff, who believe they stem from a combination of physical fatigue and poor decision-making.

Inter’s squad faces the challenges of a congested fixture schedule and the impact of an aging defensive unit. Given these constraints, there are limited options to enhance stamina and defensive agility. Fatigue can impair concentration, leading to mistakes or poor decision-making late in games. To address this, Inzaghi has been employing rotation strategies more frequently, aiming to preserve the energy of his core players. However, he is also calling for mental resilience and greater focus during these high-stakes moments. Other top clubs with packed schedules face similar struggles, often relying on players’ grit and determination to perform at their best, despite physical limitations.

Addressing Substitution Patterns and Tactical Adjustments

In addition to defensive concentration, Inzaghi’s substitution strategies have come under scrutiny. His pattern of substituting players who have received yellow cards, although effective in avoiding red cards, can sometimes backfire. For instance, substituting Benjamin Pavard after he received a yellow card in the derby against Juventus proved a turning point, as the defensive stability he provided was noticeably weakened after his departure. Inzaghi’s adherence to this substitution rule may need re-evaluation, with an emphasis on adapting substitutions based on the specific flow and demands of each match.

Inzaghi’s adjustment strategies involve not only preventing late-game slip-ups but also enhancing overall discipline. The Juventus game highlighted how specific defensive errors—be it misplaced passes or poor marking—often culminate in costly outcomes. Players like Sommer, Bisseck, Dimarco, Dumfries, and de Vrij have been encouraged to address individual errors and take accountability. With a rigorous focus on making smarter choices in pressure situations, Inzaghi hopes to reduce preventable mistakes and reinforce the defensive cohesion that will allow Inter to close out games more effectively.

Reinforcing a Defensive Mindset for the Season Ahead

With limited roster changes and no imminent youth influx, Inzaghi is focused on building mental fortitude within the existing squad. As the season progresses, Inter’s players will be challenged to rise to the demands of the club’s rigorous schedule, displaying greater resolve and commitment to defensive integrity. The challenges faced by Inter’s squad are far from unique; many top-tier clubs grapple with heavy schedules and injury-laden squads. For Inter, a collective mindset that values resilience and concentration will be key to maintaining defensive stability.

The emphasis on cultivating “soft skills” as a means of defensive improvement underscores Inzaghi’s recognition of the psychological aspects affecting performance. As Inter strives to improve their defensive record, confidence-building and tactical discipline will be crucial to their success. With Inzaghi’s leadership, the team’s response to these adjustments could very well define their performance across multiple competitions.