Inter Milan's Impressive Record Dominates Serie A: Heartwarming Scene More Precious Than Barella's 14-Month Redemption

Inter Milan reclaimed the top spot in Serie A with a commanding 3-0 away victory over Napoli, solidifying their status as the best away team across Europe’s top five leagues. With six wins and one draw in seven away matches, conceding only two goals, their defensive prowess on the road is unmatched in Europe. This victory, though expected by many, underscored Inter’s strategic depth and tactical superiority.

A Game Decided Before Kickoff

Napoli, already at a physical disadvantage, pushed hard in the first half but found themselves trailing, setting the stage for an inevitable defeat. As Sky Italia pointed out, the game’s outcome was almost predetermined when Inter decided to rotate eight players midweek in their Champions League match against Porto. The rested key players were primed to exploit Napoli’s vulnerabilities.

Individual Milestones and Team Dynamics

Several Inter players had standout performances. Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s long-range strike added to his tally of 18 goals from outside the box since 2018, second only to Kevin De Bruyne (19) among players in Europe’s top five leagues. Marcus Thuram’s contribution of five goals and six assists in his first 14 appearances for Inter placed him third in the club’s best starts monitored by OPTA since the 2004-05 season, behind only Diego Milito (13) and Adriano (14).

The Emotional Journey of Nicolò Barella

One of the most compelling narratives of the match was Nicolò Barella’s emotional rollercoaster. In the 44th minute, when Çalhanoğlu scored to give Inter the lead, Barella’s intense celebration showcased his competitive spirit and team loyalty. However, his subsequent expressions revealed a mix of frustration and relief.

In the 61st minute, Barella embarked on a determined run from near the halfway line, finishing off a Lautaro Martinez assist to score. The expected goals (xG) value of this chance rose dramatically from 0.26 to 0.79 due to Barella’s skillful maneuvering. His goal celebration was one of catharsis, with the entire team, including goalkeeper Yann Sommer, rushing to congratulate him.

Barella’s post-match comments reflected his gratitude towards his teammates: "After the goal, everyone came to hug me? I am very, very thankful to my colleagues. In a difficult period, they stayed close to me. This has never happened to me before. I hadn’t scored, but everyone was giving me confidence, making me feel very important. I dedicate this goal to my teammates, my family, my wife, and my daughter!"

A 14-Month Goal Drought Ends

Barella’s goal ended a long drought—his longest and most painful, as he described it. His previous goal and assist in a single Serie A match came 14 months ago against Salernitana. In away matches, his last such contribution was three years ago in December 2020 against Cagliari. Considering the caliber of Napoli, Barella’s performance on this night was of significantly higher value.

Barella’s goal not only broke his personal dry spell but also highlighted his integral role in the team’s dynamics. His subsequent long pass initiated the third goal, proving his all-around capabilities. This performance cemented his status as one of Serie A’s top midfielders.

The Factors Behind Barella's Goal Drought

Some critics labeled Barella as overrated due to his goal drought, but a deeper analysis reveals more nuanced reasons. First, his average shots per game this season (3.4) have decreased significantly compared to the previous two seasons (4.3, 4.2). Second, while his total touches per game (76.7) have increased compared to past seasons (67.9, 65.2), his touches in the attacking third have decreased, and those in the defensive third have hit career highs. Lastly, Inter’s midfielders have collectively scored 10 league goals this season (Çalhanoğlu 6, Barella 1, Mkhitaryan 2, Frattesi 1), the highest among Serie A teams.

These factors are interrelated. At the start of the season, La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted Inter’s coaching staff’s reflection on the team’s past performance. They realized that the team’s over-reliance on forwards for scoring led to goal droughts when strikers were off form. This season, the coaches aimed to increase goal contributions from midfielders, which influenced their transfer decisions, including bringing in Davide Frattesi and letting Marcelo Brozović go.

The Tactical Shift and Its Impact on Barella

Brozović’s departure required adjustments in midfield balance, positioning Barella in a more defensive role. This shift impacted his individual statistics and led to his goal drought. However, his sacrifices have contributed to the team’s overall success, with Inter’s midfielders outscoring their counterparts in Serie A.

When Barella finally broke his drought, the team’s overwhelming support wasn’t just a polite gesture; it was a recognition of his sacrifices and his essential role. Even without scoring, his hard work earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates.

Conclusion: A Record-Breaking Night

Inter Milan’s away record and midfield contributions have set them apart in Serie A. Their strategic rotation, tactical adjustments, and individual performances have created a formidable team. Barella’s emotional goal and the team’s collective celebration exemplify the unity and resilience driving their success.

This match against Napoli was more than just another victory; it was a testament to Inter’s strategic depth, player development, and the emotional bonds that fuel their drive for excellence.