Inter Milan Ends Juventus' Stay at the Top for the Fifth Time: The "Devil" Coach Overcomes Adversity

Inter Milan secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Udinese, showcasing their dominance across the pitch. From Bisseck to the Thuram-Lautaro duo, and from Calhanoglu to Dimarco, almost every player earned high praise, with the exception of goalkeeper Sommer, who had little to do. However, the spotlight falls on the coach, Simone Inzaghi, dubbed the "Devil of Piacenza." In Milan, AC Milan has traditionally been known as "the Devil," but this title now belongs to Inzaghi. Despite the accolade, Inzaghi remains indifferent, exuding a newfound confidence and composure towards media praise and criticism alike.

Since joining Inter from Lazio, Inzaghi has undergone a significant transformation. Initially appearing unseasoned and sometimes overwhelmed by the intense media scrutiny, he has now become adept at handling pressure. Inzaghi frequently skips press conferences, reducing opportunities for sensationalism. Pre-match press conferences have become rare under his management. He sticks to his principles, unaffected by media and pundit opinions, whether supportive or critical. When praised for his "upgrade" after the Champions League final, he sarcastically remarked, "Today you praise me, but after a loss, you'll change your tune!" Recently, when asked about being called the "Devil of Piacenza," Inzaghi responded with a dismissive "Please, don't joke!"

Commentator Altobelli noted that a coach with such self-assuredness is capable of countering the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) perceived machinations. Over the past five years, Inter's schedule around Champions League fixtures has been notably more challenging compared to other Serie A teams. For example, during the crucial fifth round of the Champions League this season, Inter faced away matches against Juventus and Napoli, creating a tough schedule. Such "schedule traps" have been a constant for Inter, with former coaches like Antonio Conte openly criticizing the arrangement, but to no avail.

The statistics reveal an interesting pattern: from the 2018-2019 season to last season, Serie A teams averaged 2.033 points per game in the league during Champions League participation and 1.870 points without it. However, Inter's performance showed a reverse trend, with 1.896 points during Champions League fixtures and 2.203 points without. This discrepancy highlights Inter's struggle with balancing domestic and European commitments. While some blame previous coaches’ poor rotation strategies, others point to the FIGC’s scheduling choices. Other European federations, such as those in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France, often accommodate their teams' European fixtures to aid their performance.

This season, Juventus has frequently played before Inter, adding psychological pressure. After Juventus' 1-0 win over Napoli, they topped the league for the fifth time this season, often playing before Inter to maintain this position. Such scheduling not only showcases the competition's intensity but also imposes mental stress on Inter. However, Inzaghi has used this pressure as motivation, telling his players to focus solely on their game. Consequently, Inter has ended Juventus' brief reign at the top for the fifth time this season, turning the psychological pressure back onto Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri and his squad.

Gazzetta dello Sport lauded Inzaghi as the "King of Comebacks" for this reason. Under his guidance, Inter exudes a positive atmosphere, with players like Frattesi remaining calm on the bench and maintaining a strong team spirit. Newcomers like Bisseck have found confidence, and established stars like Marcus Thuram and Pavard have integrated well. Even lighthearted moments, such as Dimarco celebrating his goal by embracing Asllani to thank him for his kind words, reflect the unity and positive environment fostered by Inzaghi.

Despite facing daunting challenges ahead, Inter's cohesive and supportive atmosphere under Inzaghi's leadership positions them well to navigate both visible and hidden threats. The "Devil of Piacenza" has armed his team with the mental fortitude and tactical acumen needed to counter any adversities, ensuring they can use football to overcome even the most devious strategies.

In summary, Inter's current success is a testament to Inzaghi's growth and strategic acumen. His ability to foster a resilient and united squad while deftly managing external pressures has been pivotal in their impressive run. With continued focus and adaptability, Inter Milan stands poised to challenge for both domestic and European honors, undeterred by the obstacles placed in their path.