Inter Milan’s Iranian Striker Faces Two-Month Goal Drought: Criticism Fair or Unjust?

As Inter Milan gears up for crucial fixtures against Arsenal and Napoli, a surprising narrative has emerged within the club’s media circles: mounting criticism of Mehdi Taremi. The Iranian striker, brought in to bolster Inter’s attack, is under fire for failing to live up to expectations in his early months at the club.

Prominent journalist Gianluca Biasin, known for his close ties to Inter’s management, delivered a scathing critique: “In terms of scoring, Inter expected much more from Taremi. His preseason performances were impressive, but so far, he hasn’t shown the qualities expected of an Inter player.” Similarly, club legend Giuseppe Bergomi echoed the sentiment: “We had higher hopes for Taremi. He was a standout in preseason, but now he looks out of place within the system.”

Media and Fan Reactions

The criticism from Italian media has been relatively measured, with La Gazzetta dello Sport publishing an article titled What’s Wrong with Taremi? The piece highlighted the striker’s struggles to adapt to Simone Inzaghi’s tactical setup. Yet, on social media platforms and fan forums, the tone is far harsher, with some fans labeling Taremi as a “flop” or a “waste.”

Are these criticisms justified? Statistically, Taremi’s contribution has not been as poor as some suggest. In 467 minutes across all competitions, he has scored once and provided three assists, averaging 0.77 goal involvements per 90 minutes—a figure that places him among Inter’s top three contributors. His efficiency is comparable to Lautaro Martínez, who averages 0.77 goal involvements per 90 minutes, albeit in significantly more minutes (820). However, Inter’s lofty expectations, especially for a forward, demand more.

The Drought: Two Months Without an Open-Play Goal

The root of the issue lies in Taremi’s failure to score from open play in over two months. His last non-penalty goal came on September 5 during an international match against Kyrgyzstan. For Inter, his only goal so far was a penalty against Young Boys in the Champions League.

In 11 appearances for Inter, including four starts and seven substitute appearances, Taremi’s inability to find the net in open play has become a glaring issue. His recent international outings have mirrored this pattern, with no goals in full 90-minute performances against the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Qatar.

Tactical Misalignment

One of Taremi’s primary struggles is his difficulty integrating into Inter’s system. This was evident during his 26-minute cameo against Venezia, where he registered just nine touches despite his visible effort to impact the game. Taremi’s body language and off-the-ball movement indicated a desire to contribute, but his inability to position himself effectively within the team’s attacking structure limited his involvement.

Interestingly, Taremi has been more effective when starting matches, where he has managed four goal contributions across four starts. However, his substitute appearances have been notably less impactful. In seven appearances off the bench, he has yet to make a meaningful contribution, highlighting a stark contrast in his performances depending on his role.

This dichotomy has created a vicious cycle: Inzaghi is hesitant to start Taremi due to his lack of confidence and consistency, yet his struggles as a substitute further diminish the likelihood of him being trusted with a starting role.

Mental Hurdles

Another factor is Taremi’s apparent hesitation in front of goal. Despite being a proven scorer at Porto, where he thrived in a less intense environment, Taremi has appeared overly cautious at Inter. In Serie A, he has taken just four shots in eight appearances but has created seven key chances for teammates, indicating a preference for passing rather than shooting.

When adjusted for minutes, Taremi averages just 1.67 shots per 90 minutes, ranking 10th in Inter’s squad. By comparison, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram—Inter’s primary forwards—average more than twice as many shots per 90 minutes. Even backup striker Marko Arnautović, known for his assertive style, averages over five shots per 90 minutes.

This reluctance may stem from the pressure of playing for a top-tier club in a major European league for the first time. Taremi, who previously starred for Porto, has yet to fully adjust to the demands of a club like Inter, where missed opportunities are scrutinized heavily.

Calls for Patience

Amid the criticism, there are voices urging patience. La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that Inzaghi remains confident in Taremi’s ability to adapt and deliver. “The coach believes that Taremi can be an important player for Inter this season. The signals are clear: as a finisher, he needs to do more, but Inzaghi has faith in his potential.”

Unlocking Taremi’s potential begins with breaking his open-play goal drought. A single goal could alleviate much of the pressure and boost his confidence, making him a more integral part of Inter’s attack. Encouragingly, Taremi has the support of his teammates. Lautaro Martínez’s decision to let Taremi take a penalty earlier this season highlighted the team’s collective effort to help him settle in.

A Turning Point Awaits

As Inter prepares for high-profile clashes against Arsenal and Napoli, Taremi’s role remains a focal point. While the criticism he faces may be excessive, it also reflects the high standards expected at a club of Inter’s stature. If Taremi can rediscover his scoring touch, the narrative surrounding him could shift dramatically.

For now, the key lies in creating the conditions for Taremi to succeed. Whether through increased playing time, tactical adjustments, or simply the patience to let him acclimate, Inter’s faith in their Iranian striker could still pay dividends.