Inter Milan Faces Setback in Serie A Opener but Receives Three Pieces of Good News

Inter Milan's Serie A campaign got off to a disappointing start as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Genoa. For a club with title ambitions, dropping points in the opening match, especially after the significant changes made by other top teams like AC Milan and Napoli, is a bitter pill to swallow. These teams, still adjusting to new coaches and players, were expected to encounter early challenges. However, Inter, with its continuity and squad cohesion, was anticipated to hit the ground running. The fact that they couldn’t secure all three points in their opener is therefore more concerning.

Fortunately for Inter, the past 24 hours have brought some positive developments. Three key pieces of news have emerged, offering a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and potentially setting a more optimistic tone for the weeks ahead.

Yann Sommer Contemplating Retirement from International Football

One of the biggest talking points from the Genoa match was the performance of new signing Yann Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper, who had been brought in to replace André Onana, made a significant error leading to a goal, which contributed to Inter's dropped points. This error, combined with another mistake earlier in the match, drew sharp criticism, with La Gazzetta dello Sport awarding Sommer a harsh 4.5 out of 10—one of the lowest ratings seen in recent memory.

The criticism has been intense, with some even calling for backup goalkeeper Josep Martinez to be given the starting role. This comes after weeks of speculation about why Inter spent €15 million on Martinez, with some questioning whether the transfer was financially motivated.

Despite this, it appears Sommer is taking proactive steps to extend his club career by reportedly planning to announce his retirement from international football. This move, which could be confirmed in a press conference as early as tomorrow, would mirror the decision made by fellow veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who also retired from international duty to focus on his club commitments.

The rationale behind this decision is clear. As players age, their physical and mental sharpness can decline, and this is especially true for goalkeepers, where decision-making and reaction times are critical. Sommer's errors in the Genoa match could be seen as signs of this decline, not just in physical ability but also in judgment. Inter has experienced the dangers of relying on aging goalkeepers before, as seen with Samir Handanović’s decline, which cost the club valuable points in previous seasons.

By stepping away from international duties, Sommer can reduce the physical and mental toll of constant travel and international competition. This could allow him to focus entirely on his performances for Inter, potentially improving his form and consistency. The goalkeeper position is unique in that physical endurance is less of a concern than it is for outfield players. Instead, the mental aspects—such as concentration, confidence, and decision-making—are paramount. Without the burden of international responsibilities, Sommer could rejuvenate his club career and provide Inter with the stability they need between the posts.

Zanetti's Intervention in the Transfer Market

The second piece of good news for Inter comes from the transfer market. Inter has accelerated their pursuit of defensive reinforcements, with Vice President Javier Zanetti personally getting involved in negotiations. The club is reportedly close to finalizing the signing of Tomás Palacios, a promising young Argentine defender. Zanetti’s involvement underscores the importance of this deal for Inter, as the club seeks to bolster their defense before the next match.

It’s important to temper expectations, though. Palacios, despite his physical attributes and potential, is not expected to immediately transform Inter’s defense. New signings, particularly those coming from South America, often need time to adapt to the tactical demands and physicality of European football. Even players moving from other European leagues to Serie A can take time to settle, so it’s unrealistic to expect Palacios to make an instant impact.

However, the significance of this transfer extends beyond the pitch. Coach Simone Inzaghi has repeatedly emphasized the need to complete this signing, and club directors Giuseppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio have previously committed to securing a left-footed center-back this summer. Failing to deliver on this promise could have broader implications, affecting team morale and the club’s relationship with its supporters.

If the deal is completed before Inter’s second match, it could provide a psychological boost to both the squad and the fans. The addition of a new player, especially one who fits the team’s tactical needs, can inject fresh energy and optimism into the dressing room. Moreover, it would signal to the fans that the club is serious about addressing its defensive vulnerabilities and maintaining its competitiveness in the title race.

Support for Bisseck After Penalty Incident

The third positive development involves the show of support for young defender Yann-Aurel Bisseck, who conceded a penalty in the draw against Genoa. Bisseck, who has been under the spotlight since his summer arrival, has faced criticism for his role in the incident. However, he has received strong backing from within the club, as well as from former players and referees.

Television pundits, including former referee Pierluigi Collina, have weighed in on the penalty decision, suggesting that it was not a clear-cut case. According to current handball rules, the interpretation of balls that rebound off a player’s head and arm is ambiguous, leaving room for debate about whether the penalty should have been awarded.

Former Inter captain Giuseppe Bergomi also voiced his support for Bisseck, arguing that Inter should have won the match, not only because they scored twice but also due to the numerous chances they created. Bergomi pointed out that while Genoa appeared to have several shots, few were clear-cut opportunities, and Inter's defense largely held firm.

This show of support is crucial for Bisseck, who has already demonstrated significant potential. The club reportedly turned down a €30 million offer for him, signaling their belief in his abilities and long-term value. There is even internal discussion that Bisseck could potentially fill the role of a left-footed center-back, a position he played during his time in Denmark.

On social media, Inter fans have rallied behind Bisseck, with many expressing their confidence in the young defender. Messages of encouragement have flooded in, with supporters urging him to stay strong and ignore the critics. This level of fan support is a testament to the changing mentality among Inter’s fan base, who are becoming more patient and understanding, particularly towards younger players.

This cultural shift within the club and its supporters is a positive sign for the future. After years of financial difficulties and uncertainty, there is a growing recognition that the path to success involves patience and long-term planning. As Inter transitions into a new era, possibly under new ownership, this change in mindset could be crucial in sustaining the club’s progress.

In conclusion, while the opening match of the season was undoubtedly disappointing for Inter Milan, the subsequent developments offer reasons for optimism. Sommer's potential retirement from international football, the imminent signing of Palacios, and the support for Bisseck all point to a club that is taking proactive steps to address its challenges and build for the future.