Inter Milan Refuses Major Rotation to Avoid Juventus' 24-Year-Old Tragedy, Exudes Dominance Reminiscent of Calciopoli Era

Inter Milan's emphatic 4-0 victory over Salernitana has extended their lead at the top of Serie A to a commanding 10 points. However, in the aftermath of this triumph, the questions directed at Inter's head coach, Simone Inzaghi, were not celebratory but rather critical, focusing on the so-called "biggest controversy"—the limited squad rotation. With European competitions on the horizon, why has Inter opted for such minimal rotation? Two significant phenomena suggest that Inter is enveloped by an aura of championship dominance, a sense of intimidation that makes their rotation strategy more about the results than the methods. While it is true that Inter didn't rotate extensively in this match, the effectiveness of relieving the burden on key players was evident. So, what are these two phenomena?

Unmatched Dominance: Inter's Best Performance in 17 Years

Firstly, this season's Inter has displayed its most formidable dominance in 17 years. With 20 victories in the first 24 rounds, they have achieved a win rate only previously matched twice in club history, the last time being in the 2006-07 season with 21 wins. Their tally of 63 points in 24 rounds is the second-highest in their history, only surpassed by the 66 points they amassed in the same period during the 2006-07 season. The 2006-07 season was characterized by the Calciopoli scandal, which saw Juventus relegated and AC Milan docked points, effectively turning Serie A into Inter's playground. This dominance was largely due to non-sporting reasons.

Seventeen years later, with no penalties or demotions to their rivals, Inter has exhibited similar dominance, which is remarkable. This season, Inter's dominance is evident in their league-best goal difference and numerous individual records. Lautaro Martínez has become the first Inter striker to score 20 goals in the first 23 rounds since Christian Vieri. Marcus Thuram is the second Frenchman, after Youri Djorkaeff, to reach double digits in a single Serie A season for Inter. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has matched his personal record of 15 clean sheets in a single season, a feat he previously achieved with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 2014-15 season. Even Carlos Augusto has become the first Inter defender in 13 years to provide two assists in a single match.

Such performances have led many Italians to recognize that Inter's level of play this season is unmatched in Serie A, justifying their double-digit lead over second place. This is the first phenomenon to consider when discussing Inter's rotation strategy.

The Opponent’s Strategy: Salernitana’s Pragmatic Approach

The second phenomenon worth noting is that while Inter's rotation was smaller than expected, their opponent, Salernitana, took an unexpectedly large-scale rotation approach. Inter made only three changes compared to their previous game against AS Roma. Key players like Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian were given rest due to injuries and tactical decisions, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu was substituted after 66 minutes. Inter also took advantage of their 3-0 halftime lead to substitute key players like Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan around the 60th minute.

In contrast, Salernitana, a team fighting to avoid relegation and under new management, made significant changes, leaving nearly half of their usual starters out of the lineup. This large-scale rotation indicated their strategic decision to conserve energy for more winnable matches in the coming weeks. Salernitana's total distance covered was just 100 kilometers, significantly less than Inter's 104 kilometers, which was already below their season average of 112 kilometers. This difference suggests that Salernitana approached the match with a mindset of minimizing effort and risk, essentially conceding defeat to focus on their upcoming fixtures against teams like Monza, Udinese, Cagliari, Lecce, and Bologna.

This pragmatic approach by Salernitana explains why Inter dominated so thoroughly, with 26 shots to Salernitana's one, 10 on target to none, and a record 18 corners in a single match, the highest in Serie A this season. Inter’s commanding performance made Salernitana’s defeat inevitable, leading to a situation where Inter achieved the dual goals of reducing the workload on their key players and securing the planned three points without significant effort.

Learning from Past Mistakes: Inzaghi’s Cautionary Approach

Simone Inzaghi’s decision not to implement extensive rotation before a crucial Champions League fixture has sparked controversy. Critics argue that more rotation was necessary to keep players fresh for the upcoming European challenge. However, Inzaghi, who has learned from past experiences, emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and intensity, especially during the critical phases of the season.

Inzaghi's caution can be traced back to his playing days when he was part of a Lazio squad that overcame a nine-point deficit to win the Scudetto in 2000 after Juventus collapsed in the final eight rounds. This historical context highlights why Inzaghi is so cautious as the title race reaches its climax. Despite the comfortable margin at the top of Serie A, Inzaghi understands that no title is ever truly secured until the final whistle of the season. This mindset of relentless focus and caution is what drives his decisions regarding team rotation.

Inter’s Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

Inter's limited rotation is not a sign of complacency but rather a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and their confidence in the squad's ability to handle multiple competitions. This season, Inter has demonstrated a level of consistency and dominance that has left their competitors in awe. Their ability to control matches, manage player workloads, and maintain a high level of performance across different competitions is a hallmark of a championship team.

The decision to maintain a smaller rotation reflects Inter's belief in the strength and depth of their squad. Players like Sommer, who have consistently performed at a high level, provide the team with a solid foundation. The team’s attacking duo of Martínez and Thuram has been exceptional, and the defense, anchored by players like Acerbi, has been formidable. This balance between attack and defense, coupled with the strategic management of player fitness, has been key to Inter's success this season.

The Broader Implications for Serie A

Inter's dominance this season has broader implications for Serie A. Their commanding lead at the top of the table and their ability to intimidate opponents even before a match begins reflect a shift in the league's dynamics. Teams like Salernitana, facing the daunting task of playing against Inter, have opted for a more pragmatic approach, choosing to prioritize their efforts for more winnable matches. This strategy, while practical, underscores the significant gap between Inter and the rest of the league.

Inter's ability to instill fear in their opponents, leading to tactical concessions even before the match starts, is a testament to their psychological edge. This intimidation factor, combined with their on-field dominance, creates an environment where opponents are more likely to play defensively, limit their attacking ambitions, and ultimately concede defeat. This dynamic not only benefits Inter but also raises questions about the competitive balance in Serie A and the challenges faced by other teams in bridging the gap.

Moving Forward: Inter’s Path to Success

As Inter continues their march toward the Serie A title, their focus will remain on maintaining their high standards and managing player workloads effectively. The upcoming European fixtures will pose additional challenges, but Inter's strategic approach and squad depth should allow them to navigate these challenges successfully. The key for Inter will be to balance their domestic and European commitments, ensuring that they remain competitive on all fronts.

For Inzaghi and his team, the lessons of the past serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and intensity until the very end. The experience of nearly losing a league title as a player has shaped Inzaghi's approach as a coach, emphasizing caution and strategic planning. This mindset, combined with the team's exceptional performances this season, positions Inter as strong contenders for both domestic and European success.

In conclusion, Inter Milan's refusal to engage in extensive rotation is not a flaw but a strategic decision rooted in their current dominance and historical lessons. Their ability to manage player workloads, maintain high performance levels, and instill fear in their opponents has made them a formidable force in Serie A. As the season progresses, Inter's focus will remain on maintaining their lead, managing their squad effectively, and continuing their pursuit of excellence on all fronts.