Inter Milan Overwhelms Rivals: A Masterclass in Healing Football

Inter Milan’s recent performance in the Supercoppa Italiana has left their critics seething. One of the most vocal detractors has been Aurelio De Laurentiis, who often lauds Napoli as the epitome of Italian football while mocking Inter for their financial woes. However, when Napoli played their Supercoppa semi-final in Saudi Arabia, only 9,000 tickets were sold, reflecting the local fans' lack of interest. In stark contrast, Inter’s match saw a packed stadium, filled with high-profile attendees, highlighting that not just any team from Serie A can compete with the Northern giants in terms of international appeal.

Claudio Lotito is another figure who frequently criticizes Inter’s management, promoting Lazio as a model of both performance and profitability. Yet, Inter’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Lazio in the semi-final left no room for excuses. Despite running more and committing more fouls than Inter, Lazio was thoroughly outclassed. Inter hit the post twice and missed four golden opportunities, underscoring their dominance. Reports from the Italian media confirmed that Lotito was furious post-match, berating both manager Maurizio Sarri and the players. If this defeat leads to fewer disparaging remarks from Lotito about Inter, it might be considered a positive outcome.

Fans have dubbed the current Inter Milan side as "healing football." For Chinese fans, this term resonates deeply. The Chinese national team’s dismal performances in the Asian Cup, including draws with lower-ranked Tajikistan and Lebanon, left fans frustrated. In a match against Lebanon, China managed only 32.3 minutes of effective possession and committed 169 turnovers, averaging one every ten seconds, highlighting a severe lack of cohesion and skill.

In contrast, watching Inter play is a refreshing experience. Their blend of teamwork and individual brilliance is epitomized by moves like the long pass from the right wing-back, Di Marco’s deft control, Bastoni’s overlapping cross, Di Marco’s backheel, and Thuram’s poacher’s finish. For fans disillusioned by the state of Chinese football, Inter’s performances are a breath of fresh air.

For Italian fans, Inter’s football represents a positive shift for Serie A. The league had seen a push towards more attacking play three to four years ago. The 2019-20 season saw 1,154 goals scored across 380 matches, averaging 3.04 goals per game, and the 2020-21 season saw 1,163 goals with an average of 3.06 per game, surpassing both the Bundesliga and La Liga. While more goals do not necessarily equate to higher quality, this shift was appealing to a global audience that enjoys high-scoring matches.

However, this season has seen a regression, with Serie A matches averaging just 2.54 goals per game over 200 matches so far. The resurgence of 1-0 victories and defensive tactics has delighted managers like Massimiliano Allegri, who have even started using terms like "police and thieves" to describe their approach. But in a league struggling for survival and international recognition, a conservative style might not be the best strategy.

Amidst this backdrop, Inter Milan’s approach stands out. Averaging 2.54 goals per game, they lead Serie A in scoring and offer a refreshing contrast to the prevailing conservatism. Their style not only entertains but also brings positive attention to the league. After their semi-final match, Saudi spectators praised Inter’s performance, emphasizing the value they saw in their tickets. Italian journalists, however, remain concerned, particularly regarding the upcoming league fixtures. The Supercoppa final means Inter will have to postpone a league match until late February, potentially giving Juventus a chance to overtake them in the standings and maintain that lead, putting extra pressure on Inter.

Yet, as Simone Inzaghi and Beppe Marotta have pointed out, competing for the Supercoppa could benefit Inter’s league campaign in several ways. Firstly, a victory would boost the team’s morale. Nicolo Barella aptly described the current Inter matches as “enjoyable” for the players. Winning the Supercoppa could carry this positive mentality into their league fixtures.

Additionally, there’s the psychological aspect. Currently, both Inter and AC Milan have seven Supercoppa titles. Winning this trophy would allow Inter to surpass their city rivals, aligning with their goal of adding a second star to their crest before Milan. This psychological edge could be crucial in a closely contested title race.

From a financial perspective, Inter’s impressive performances in Saudi Arabia enhance their reputation and could lead to economic benefits. After the semi-final, Saudi media and fans lauded Inter’s high-quality football. This admiration could lead to lucrative transfer offers from wealthy Saudi clubs or potential sponsorship deals, providing a financial boost to Inter.

In conclusion, Inter Milan should give their all in the Supercoppa final. Winning this trophy could have significant positive implications for their league campaign, providing a morale boost, psychological advantage, and potential financial benefits. The recent matches have shown that Inter’s “healing football” is not just a treat for the fans but a strategic advantage in the long run.