Inter Milan’s Declining Superiority: The Vanishing Impact of Substitutes

For years, Inter Milan's substitutes have been a decisive weapon, delivering goals and assists at a rate that outshone their Serie A rivals. However, as the 2023–24 season unfolds, a concerning trend has emerged—Inter’s bench no longer carries the same game-changing impact. Compared to Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan, Simone Inzaghi's side now lags significantly in terms of substitute contributions, raising questions about strategy, squad management, and physical conditioning.

A Shocking Drop in Bench Contributions

Across the first ten Serie A matches, Inter’s substitutes have appeared 49 times, a figure that includes nearly full utilization of the league’s five-substitution rule. Yet, their combined output of one goal and one assist pales in comparison to other title challengers:

• Juventus: 3 goals and 1 assist, highlighted by contributions from emerging talents like Ildiz and Small Conceição.
• Napoli: 3 goals and 4 assists, with key inputs from Neres and Simeone.
• AC Milan: 2 goals and 2 assists, fueled by the likes of Okafor and Musah.

Despite Inter’s substitutes clocking 1,078 minutes—more than Napoli (704), Juventus (1,008), and Milan (648)—their tangible impact remains alarmingly low.

Inter’s Once-Dominant Record

This downturn is particularly stark when viewed against Inter’s recent seasons. In 2022–23, Inter substitutes contributed 12 goals and 6 assists. Lautaro Martínez was the epitome of the “super sub,” scoring 6 goals and adding 1 assist in just 290 minutes across 11 substitute appearances. That season, the bench also delivered key moments from players like Joaquín Correa, Robin Gosens, and Edin Džeko.

In 2021–22, Inter's substitutes tallied 13 goals and 12 assists, with Martínez, Dumfries, and others delivering in critical moments. This unrivaled bench strength was a cornerstone of their competitiveness in Serie A.

Theories Behind the Decline

Inter’s diminishing bench impact cannot simply be attributed to Simone Inzaghi’s substitution patterns, as some critics have suggested. Instead, broader issues such as physical fitness, forced substitutions, and squad structure appear to play more significant roles.

Physical Fitness and Match Intensity

Inter’s fitness levels this season have been notably poor. They average just 108.7 kilometers covered per match, trailing both Napoli (111.3 km) and Juventus (109.5 km). Fatigue appears to set in after the 60th minute, forcing the team to lower their intensity during the final stages. This reduced pace affects substitutes' ability to make meaningful contributions, as they step into a game where the collective effort has already waned.

Forced Substitutions

Of Inter’s 49 substitutions so far, a significant number have been reactive rather than proactive. Inzaghi often removes players who have received yellow cards, a trend tied to Inter’s aggressive playing style, which results in frequent cautions for defenders and midfielders. Injuries and fitness concerns among key players like Acerbi, Çalhanoğlu, and Dimarco further exacerbate this issue, leaving fewer opportunities to deploy substitutes tactically in attacking roles.

Rigid Squad Dynamics

Inzaghi’s reluctance to rotate the starting lineup compounds the problem. For example, Lautaro Martínez, once the league’s premier super sub, has started every Serie A match he has been available for this season. Despite his stellar form, the absence of even a single substitute appearance diminishes the strategic flexibility that defined Inter’s bench in previous campaigns.

Missed Opportunities and Proposed Adjustments

Italian football analyst Altobelli emphasizes that Inter must rethink their substitution strategy to regain their competitive edge. Among the recommendations:

1. Flexible Role Assignments: Players struggling with fitness or durability, such as Dimarco and Bastoni, could be introduced as substitutes instead of starters. This approach would reserve substitution slots for more impactful offensive changes later in matches.

2. Reviving the Super Sub Concept: Lautaro Martínez’s performances as a substitute during the past two seasons—especially in international tournaments like the Copa América—underscore his potential as a game-changer from the bench. Deploying him strategically as a substitute against fatigued opponents could yield significant results.

3. Greater Tactical Rotation: Breaking down rigid distinctions between starters and substitutes could foster healthy competition and allow for more dynamic in-game adjustments. Inzaghi must find a balance between maintaining stability and leveraging the depth of his squad.

The Stakes for Inter Milan

Inter’s reliance on substitutes was once a hallmark of their dominance in Serie A. The stark decline in their bench contributions has created a "relative weakness" compared to rivals like Napoli and Juventus. As the five-substitution era continues to shape modern football, Inter must adapt to ensure that their substitutes regain the ability to influence matches decisively.

For Simone Inzaghi, addressing these challenges is not just about immediate results—it’s about securing Inter’s long-term competitiveness in an ever-evolving league landscape. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the Nerazzurri navigate this critical juncture.