Inter Milan’s Late-Game Prowess: Blessing or Curse? Analyzing the Challenges and Strengths

With 25 points from their first 10 matches, Inter Milan have made their third-best start in the three-point era. The Italian media have heaped praise on the Nerazzurri, celebrating their impressive form. However, amid the accolades, one record stands out and warrants deeper examination. Inter’s 80th-minute goal against Roma was their eighth goal in the final 15 minutes (76th minute to the end) of matches this season. This tally leads Serie A and places them fourth in Europe, only behind Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Stuttgart, each with nine goals. Why is Inter excelling in the dying moments of games, and is this a positive or negative trend? Let’s explore these questions.

A Sign of Strength or Weakness?

Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi offers a credible perspective. He notes, "I don't see a huge gap between Inter and other teams. Whether Inter are the favorites for the title, we’ll have to wait and see. No team in Serie A is perfect. Inter created many chances against Roma but struggled to break them down until the end. When facing compact defenses, Inter often struggles. AC Milan and Napoli have more intensity in one-on-one situations, while Juventus has stronger attacking power."

Bergomi's analysis not only highlights Inter's structural weaknesses but also explains why they have become Serie A's and Europe’s late-game specialists. Inter have performed well in high-stakes matches this season but frequently face difficulties against weaker teams that park the bus.

The Challenge of Breaking Down Compact Defenses

Across Europe, breaking down compact defenses is a common challenge. Teams typically resort to four strategies: using a tall striker to break through, relying on individual brilliance to penetrate, attempting long-range shots to break the deadlock, or shifting play to tire the opposition and capitalize on their fatigue in the final stages. Due to structural issues, Inter predominantly rely on the fourth strategy. This explains why so many of their goals come after the 76th minute and underscores the necessity of squad rotation – essentially, Inter rely on their physical endurance to secure points.

A prime example is Inter's match against Roma, where the decisive goal came late because Roma’s full-backs and center-backs could no longer keep up with Inter's attackers like Dimarco and Thuram.

Lack of Breakthrough Specialists and Long-Range Threats

Inter’s issues are evident in two key areas. First, they lack players who excel at dribbling past opponents. In the Serie A dribbling rankings, only Marcus Thuram makes the list for Inter, with 14 successful dribbles out of 22 attempts, ranking 13th. No other Inter player ranks in the top 75. Despite recent praise for Denzel Dumfries, his dribbling stats rank him 78th in Serie A among wing-backs. His relative improvement stands out only because of previously poor performances and the lack of better alternatives within the team.

Second, Inter struggle with scoring from long range. So far this season, they have only two goals from outside the box, one each from Lautaro Martínez and Federico Dimarco. This is far behind teams like Napoli and Juventus. Among the top 50 players in Serie A for long-range shots on target, only Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Dimarco represent Inter, with Çalhanoğlu’s attempts often coming from set pieces.

The Implications and Strategies for Improvement

Inter's reliance on shifting play and wearing down opponents can be seen as a mixed blessing. It’s a useful skill but highlights underlying weaknesses. To improve, Bergomi suggests focusing on several areas. First, Inter need to make strong starts to matches. For instance, if they had scored early against Roma, the game could have unfolded differently. Second, maintaining composure is crucial. This season, Inter will frequently encounter stubborn defenses, and the team must stay calm when they can’t score quickly.

Inter also need to exploit potential areas for improvement, particularly in long-range shooting. Players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Benjamin Pavard, Nicolò Barella, Carlos Augusto, Davy Klaassen, and Kristjan Asllani all possess the ability to score from distance. However, this requires the team to allow them the freedom to take these shots, understanding that the success rate of long-range efforts is lower than that of shots inside the box. A balance must be struck between efficiency and giving players the license to shoot.

The Road Ahead for Inter Milan

Ultimately, if Inter aim to compete for the title, they must improve their ability to break down weaker teams. Matches against such opponents will be more frequent than high-stakes games against fellow title contenders. The late-game goals are a testament to Inter’s stamina and determination, but relying solely on this strategy is risky. Enhancing their ability to score early and from a variety of situations will be crucial for sustaining their title challenge.

Inter Milan’s journey this season reflects the broader dynamics of Italian football, where tactical acumen, physical endurance, and squad depth are essential for success. As they navigate the challenges ahead, Inter’s ability to adapt and refine their approach will determine their ultimate success in both Serie A and European competitions.