Inter Milan's Massive Rotation Includes Goalkeeper: Straightforward Responses to "Locker Room Boss" and "Abandonment" Claims

In the pre-match press conference ahead of Inter Milan's clash with Benfica, coach Simone Inzaghi confirmed reports from club insiders: Inter will implement a significant squad rotation, involving up to eight or nine players. "Audero (backup goalkeeper) will start," Inzaghi revealed candidly. "And Sanchez will too." This comes as no surprise, as Audero has spent most of his time on the bench since joining, while Sanchez, just back from national duty with an ankle injury, is still regaining full fitness but will start nonetheless. Denzel Dumfries, though fit, has been left in Milan due to fatigue. Such extensive rotation represents the maximum possible changes in theory.

Executing such a substantial rotation requires courage, not just because it's Inter Milan—a club where even drawing a match after ten wins can spark an outcry from insatiable critics. It also necessitates excellent management skills to balance the relationship between starters and substitutes, a challenging feat for any coach. Over the years, Italian media have frequently filled their pages with juicy stories from Inter Milan during non-match days. Hence, it's no surprise that they wouldn't be lenient during the pre-match press conference ahead of this Champions League fixture.

Journalists, for instance, pressed Inzaghi to acknowledge the flood of criticism following the 1-1 draw in the Derby d'Italia against Juventus—as if escaping from Juve's home ground with a point was a negative result akin to losing 1-5. Another asked whether such a massive rotation implied Inter was sacrificing the Champions League in pursuit of a domestic title, despite having already secured qualification with two games to spare. The suggestion seemed to overlook their current position at the top of the group.

Inzaghi should not face criticism for orchestrating a significant rotation. The reasoning is clear: With Inter and Real Sociedad both on 10 points and set to face each other in the final round, the standings will be determined by head-to-head results. Even if Inter defeats Benfica and Sociedad loses in this round, Inter cannot secure the top spot before the final matchday. Conversely, should Inter fail to collect points against Benfica and Sociedad wins, Inter would still have control over their destiny by hosting Sociedad in the last match. Given this scenario, amid a grueling schedule featuring back-to-back away matches against top-tier opponents, rotation is the logical decision. Not rotating would be unwise.

Inzaghi seems unfazed by external criticism. According to Sky Sports, beyond the starting XI rotation, Inzaghi may expand the rotation further by including youth team players from the Champions League B list. Four such players have traveled with the squad, and some may even make their Champions League debut.

Federico Dimarco, who joined Inzaghi at the press conference, faced a challenging task. Fans on Western social media expressed concern that the straightforward Dimarco might struggle with tricky questions. Indeed, he was asked three difficult questions. First, about his relationship with teammate DiMarco, who is not only a "son of the North Stand" but also a core member of the locker room's "national team group." Some imaginative minds have speculated that there are "locker room bosses" at Inter, suggesting Dimarco is an "outsider" being suppressed by cliques. Dimarco's response left no room for such interpretations: "My relationship with DiMarco is as good as with any other teammate. We are not adversaries. I am part of the team."

Secondly, as a Brazilian international and thus a notable figure, Dimarco was asked how he copes with irregular playing time—a challenge for any player to stay prepared. His response was measured: "Joining a new club, a big club, is difficult, but if you have the right mindset and confidence, you can achieve great things. The large team and coaching staff are guiding me, and I have much to improve. I hope to continue progressing."

Thirdly, when asked to choose between a second star (symbolizing the 20th league title) and another Champions League final, Dimarco gave a high-level answer: "It's a difficult question. This is Inter Milan. Competing for as many trophies as possible is very important, so I would personally say the second star."

Those familiar with Dimarco know he is not known for being eloquent or slick-tongued. In previous years, he has made gaffes during interviews due to his straightforward manner. However, his well-measured answers to these difficult questions likely reflect the positive, supportive atmosphere within Inter Milan. There is no room for drama, cliques, or the kind of internal strife that some might speculate about.

In Europe, some teams hesitate to rotate in relatively less important matches due to unresolved internal dynamics—substitutes eager to play while starters refuse to concede time, fearing for their status. This can lead to starters playing even when exhausted, and any attempt by the coach to substitute them may result in petulant displays. But at Inter, such peculiarities are absent. This harmonious environment is one reason why Inter could afford to execute three major rotations in the first four Champions League matches and is now prepared for an even larger rotation.

Inzaghi's bold decision to rotate so extensively, including starting backup players like Audero and Sanchez, underscores a well-managed team where squad harmony takes precedence. This approach ensures that every player feels valued and ready to contribute, maintaining morale and performance levels across the board. As Inter Milan navigates this critical juncture of their season, their internal cohesion and strategic rotation could be the key to achieving their ambitious goals on both domestic and European fronts.