Inter Milan's Major Rotation Highlights Two Disappointed Players: Newcomers Seek Turning Point Amid Double Blow

This weekend, Inter Milan will have a rare opportunity to play in the prime time slot for the Asia-Pacific region (18:30 local time), facing Empoli, the only team out of the 98 in the top five European leagues that has yet to score a league goal this season. Despite some criticism directed at Simone Inzaghi for his midweek Champions League rotation, multiple sources confirm that the Inter coaching staff will continue with their planned rotation strategy.

Key Players and Rotation Strategy

This season, excluding goalkeepers (due to the unique nature of the position), the most utilized players in all competitions for Inter have been Lautaro Martinez (439 minutes), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (419 minutes), Alessandro Bastoni (397 minutes), Denzel Dumfries (385 minutes), and Nicolo Barella (371 minutes). Including the recent FIFA international break, Bastoni leads with 577 minutes, followed by Dumfries with 560 minutes and Barella with 545 minutes, more than Lautaro.

According to predictions from Sky Sports and Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter is expected to rest the top three outfield players in terms of minutes played for the match against Empoli. Dumfries' position will depend on Juan Cuadrado's condition after Saturday's training. If the Colombian isn't fit to start, Matteo Darmian could take his place. Barella's role might be filled by Davide Frattesi, and Bastoni’s position could be covered by Francesco Acerbi.

In the midweek Champions League fixture, these three heavily utilized players showed signs of fatigue. Bastoni's error led to a goal, Barella nearly received a red card, and Dumfries was not his usual dominant self. Fatigue was evident. Even writers like myself, pulling late nights during a hectic schedule, make embarrassing mistakes, so it’s no wonder that players, exerting themselves physically, would be affected too.

Social Media Criticism and Player Situation

Currently, Asllani is facing significant criticism on social media. However, some players are in even worse situations than the Albanian. Italian media have highlighted two such players: Yann Bisseck and Davy Klaassen.

Among Inter's ten summer signings (excluding the second and third-choice goalkeepers), Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer are now key starters, Benjamin Pavard and Frattesi are emerging as regulars, and Carlos Augusto, Cuadrado, Marko Arnautovic, and Alexis Sanchez are also part of the coach's plans. The German Bisseck and Dutchman Klaassen have had less favorable situations.

Yann Bisseck's Struggles and Opportunities

Bisseck’s issues are apparent: his defensive fundamentals need polishing, and his strong offensive skills (dribbling, progressing play, aerial ability) have not been showcased due to his timidity during pre-season and his Serie A debut. In Inter's three central defender positions, the center is rotated between Stefan de Vrij and Acerbi, the right between Pavard and Darmian. Bisseck was initially positioned as a backup for the left-center back. However, Inzaghi has experimented with Federico Dimarco and Carlos Augusto in this position, and now Acerbi might also fill in, which could relegally Bisseck to the role of "backup's backup," similar to Asllani last season.

This period is crucial for Bisseck. He needs to work harder in training, diligently study tactics, and maintain patience. This approach will help him seize opportunities.

Davy Klaassen's Situation and Prospects

Klaassen remains the only one among the non-goalkeeper new signings who has yet to make his debut. He has also faced a second blow: being left out of the latest Netherlands national team squad, likely due to a lack of game time. When Klaassen joined Inter, De Telegraaf highlighted three motivations: playing in the Champions League, competing for trophies, and enhancing his status in the national team. As noted by Inter’s insiders, Klaassen's absence is not because he isn’t in the coach’s plans but due to special circumstances: the impact of the FIFA break and the abundance of eager new signings awaiting their chance.

Mkhitaryan, having retired early from international duty, benefited from the FIFA break by resting and avoiding travel fatigue, making him more physically ready. With the importance of the previous two matches (the Milan Derby and Champions League opener), the coach needed to rotate while maintaining some "veterans" on the field, and Mkhitaryan, being fully fit, was a natural choice.

However, Mkhitaryan is 34 years old. Even after recharging during the international break, he cannot sustain his performance throughout the grueling 21 days of seven matches. As the intense schedule progresses, Klaassen’s chances will increase. Inzaghi, Klaassen, and Marotta have all confirmed that the Dutchman is a valued addition. Criticizing his performance without giving him a chance would be premature, especially considering his international record of 41 caps, 10 goals, and 7 assists. It’s unlikely Inter would dismiss such a player without giving him an opportunity. Predicting Klaassen’s debut soon, possibly this weekend, is reasonable.

Inter Milan's rotation strategy highlights the balance between managing player fatigue and integrating new signings. The top three outfield players in terms of minutes will likely be rested against Empoli, making way for fresh legs. This approach ensures that key players like Dumfries, Barella, and Bastoni can recuperate and maintain their performance levels throughout the season.

Yann Bisseck and Davy Klaassen represent different ends of the spectrum for new signings. Bisseck, struggling to find his footing, needs to capitalize on training and be prepared for opportunities. Klaassen, yet to make his debut, must remain patient as his chance will come amidst a packed schedule. Both players’ situations underscore the importance of depth and rotation in a demanding season. Inter’s ability to effectively manage their squad will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge across all fronts.