Inter Milan's Defensive Crisis Could Be a Golden Opportunity for Two Emerging Talents

As Inter Milan prepares to face Fiorentina in what is shaping up to be a pivotal Serie A clash, the club finds itself grappling with a mounting defensive crisis. Both teams enter the matchup with 28 points from their first 13 games, making this encounter one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round. However, injuries have left Inter's backline in a precarious state, raising concerns but also presenting opportunities for players waiting in the wings.

Defensive Depth Tested

Ahead of the match, it has been confirmed that Benjamin Pavard will be sidelined for at least a month due to injury. To make matters worse, Francesco Acerbi and Carlos Augusto are also set to miss the trip due to physical issues. This leaves Simone Inzaghi’s preferred back-three formation without half of its regular center-backs.

While Inter’s overall injury list isn’t as extensive as that of clubs like Manchester City, Juventus, or RB Leipzig, the concentration of injuries in one specific area—central defense—has created a significant headache for the coaching staff. Inter can still field a starting XI, but their bench will be devoid of any natural center-backs, a situation that feels far from ideal.

Reports from Sky Italia suggest that Inzaghi has been experimenting in training to address this crisis. Initially, Matteo Darmian was slated to start as the right wing-back, but the latest sessions have seen Denzel Dumfries take that spot. This tactical adjustment appears to be a contingency plan aimed at keeping at least one defensive option available on the bench in case of emergencies.

Dumfries, despite showing signs of fatigue after a grueling Champions League match, may now be forced to start consecutive games. Meanwhile, Darmian, who was originally expected to be fresh for the Fiorentina clash, could find himself on the bench, ready to slot into the backline if needed.

Opportunity for Palacios and Buchanan

While the defensive shortage is undoubtedly a concern, it could also serve as a breakthrough moment for two lesser-used players: Ezequiel Palacios and Tajon Buchanan.

Palacios, who arrived at Inter in the summer for a fee of €11 million, has struggled to find playing time. The Argentine youngster has made just one brief appearance, totaling a mere nine minutes of action (excluding stoppage time). Inzaghi’s hesitance to rely on him stems from three key issues:

1. Language Barrier: Palacios has yet to fully grasp the Italian language, which has hindered his ability to communicate effectively with teammates and coaches.
2. Physical Adaptation: Coming from South America, Palacios is still adjusting to the physical demands of European football. Serie A defenders are seasoned veterans, and even promising talents like Mateo Retegui have faced early struggles when transitioning to Italy.
3. Tactical Familiarity: Prior to joining Inter, Palacios primarily operated in a four-man defensive system in Argentina. His lack of experience in a three-center-back formation has made Inzaghi cautious about integrating him into such a crucial role.

Initially, the plan was to gradually introduce Palacios into the squad in mid-December, coinciding with the start of the Coppa Italia. Additionally, if Inter secures their place in the Champions League knockout stages early, Inzaghi would have more flexibility to rotate his squad.

Buchanan, the Canadian international, finds himself in a similar situation. He recently made his season debut as a substitute in Inter’s match against Hellas Verona, showcasing glimpses of his potential. The upcoming fixtures, particularly the Coppa Italia, were expected to serve as his platform to reintegrate into the first-team setup.

However, Inter’s defensive crisis might accelerate that timeline. As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, with Darmian potentially shifting to a central role, Buchanan’s versatility as a wing-back on either flank suddenly becomes invaluable. In a 3-5-2 system, where wing-backs endure heavy physical demands due to their constant up-and-down runs, having a fresh and dynamic option like Buchanan could prove crucial, especially during a congested fixture schedule.

Palacios’ Attitude Winning Admiration

Despite his limited playing time, Palacios has already earned praise within the club for his professionalism and attitude. The 21-year-old has displayed a consistently positive demeanor, fully committed to training and always seen with a smile on his face.

Adapting to a new league, a more physical style of play, and even a different culinary culture is no small feat for a young player. However, Palacios’ optimistic outlook has made his transition smoother than it might have been for a more introverted personality.

Additionally, Palacios has shown a level of humility and discretion that contrasts with his social media presence before joining Inter. Once an active figure on various platforms, he has since adopted a low-profile approach, limiting his posts to just one or two updates per month.

This shift in behavior has not gone unnoticed. In a football landscape where young players can easily become distractions with public outbursts or demands for more playing time, Palacios’ silence and dedication have been refreshing. His approach has likely earned him additional goodwill from the coaching staff and management.

A Moment to Seize

With Inter’s defensive options stretched thin, the door is now open for both Palacios and Buchanan to stake their claim. Should Inzaghi decide to give them more minutes, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.

For Palacios, it’s an opportunity to prove that he can adapt to the rigors of Serie A, both physically and tactically. For Buchanan, it’s a chance to demonstrate that he can be a reliable option on either wing, potentially accelerating his reintegration into the “core” rotation.

Inter Milan’s defensive crisis may have created a problem in the short term, but it could also set the stage for the emergence of new stars. In football, opportunities often arise from adversity, and for Palacios and Buchanan, this might be the moment they’ve been waiting for.