Inter Milan’s Narrow Win Sets Four Records as Defensive and Offensive Stars Emerge

Inter Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Swiss side Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League, bringing their group-stage tally to 7 points after three matches. As pre-match predictions from renowned pundit Altuobecchi suggested, the absence of midfield maestro Hakan Çalhanoğlu may have reduced the spectacle of Inter’s play, but it did little to hinder their ability to secure wins. This was further proven by the fact that Inter has maintained a strong winning record even without him, taking five wins in six matches he missed last season, and emerging victorious in the last two despite his injury.

However, despite the victory, Inter’s performance was far from flawless. The Nerazzurri squandered six out of seven clear-cut chances, turning what should have been a comprehensive win into a narrow escape. This wastefulness in front of goal left players like Marko Arnautović and Davide Frattesi expressing frustration and self-criticism post-match. Adding to the worries, Carlos Augusto's early exit from the game due to injury has raised significant concerns. Inter’s medical team suspects that Augusto will be sidelined for several weeks, marking him as the most severely injured among the current squad.

While fans may dream of comfortable victories in every match, the reality is that Inter cannot be expected to dominate every game. In this match, coach Simone Inzaghi made several key rotations, yet the team still secured the vital three points, deserving a passing grade overall.

Four Records Highlight Inter’s Defensive Resilience

This match not only earned Inter three crucial points but also set four notable records, underscoring the team's evolution, particularly in defense:

1. Most shots faced in the opening 30 minutes of a Champions League game since 2003-04: Inter allowed Young Boys to take over 10 shots in the first half-hour, a rare occurrence for the Italian giants.

2. Young Boys' highest number of first-half shots in their Champions League history: The Swiss team managed 14 shots before halftime, their most ever in a single half of Champions League play.

3. First time since the legendary 1963-64 Inter squad that the club has kept three consecutive clean sheets in their first three Champions League games: Inter’s defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their campaign so far.

4. Inter has kept the most clean sheets in the Champions League since the 2021-22 season, with 18 clean sheets: This puts them ahead of Europe’s elite, a testament to their disciplined defense under Simone Inzaghi.

These records reinforce what Italian media and fans have been asserting: the more Inter appears to be under pressure, the more dangerous they become. Despite Young Boys' seemingly relentless attacks, including six efforts from inside the box, 67% of their shots were blocked before reaching Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer, thanks to some stellar defending from players like Denzel Dumfries and Yann Bisseck. In terms of expected goals (XG), Inter dominated the match with 3.17 compared to Young Boys’ 0.92, indicating that if not for some wasteful finishing and a standout performance from the opposition goalkeeper, the scoreline could have been far more comfortable.

Who is Inter's True Key Player?

The match has sparked a lively debate among Italian pundits and fans alike regarding who the real "heart" of this Inter side is. While Inter has long boasted a team filled with star talent, the spotlight has now fallen on two homegrown Italian players whose impact on both ends of the pitch cannot be overstated.

Defensive Anchor: Nicolò Barella

First, there’s the undeniable influence of Nicolò Barella in defense. Whether or not Barella is on the field has a direct impact on Inter’s defensive prowess. In this match, Barella was deployed in a deeper role due to injuries and absences, and he delivered an all-around masterclass. His performance earned him Man of the Match honors, and rightfully so. He contributed in every aspect, from his 15 duels won, to delivering three key passes, six accurate long balls, and even inspiring Marcus Thuram with a “captain's kiss” after a particularly hard-fought passage of play.

One telling statistic from the match was Barella’s incredible work rate. Although he was dribbled past five times, he immediately chased down his opponents and recovered possession each time. His fighting spirit embodies the “Inter spirit,” as he continued to drive the team forward despite playing in an unfamiliar position.

Offensive Catalyst: Alessandro Bastoni

On the attacking front, Alessandro Bastoni proved to be the game-changer. His introduction in the 77th minute, along with Marcus Thuram, shifted the momentum in Inter’s favor. Up until that point, Inter had managed only 11 shots in 76 minutes. Once Bastoni came on, their attacking play surged, as they completed eight shots in under 20 minutes, seven of which came from inside the Young Boys’ penalty area. The decisive goal in the 89th minute may have seemed fortuitous, but it was the natural outcome of Inter's relentless pressure.

Bastoni’s contribution was immense, despite being on the pitch for less than 20 minutes. He had 30 touches, completed seven progressive carries, and delivered three long passes, two of which directly led to scoring opportunities. His presence not only boosted Inter's attacking fluidity but also attracted extra attention from Young Boys' defense, making him the most fouled player in the match.

Bastoni's importance to Inter’s attack has been evident throughout the season. In the 722 minutes he’s played across all competitions, Inter has scored 20 goals, averaging a goal every 36.1 minutes. In the 268 minutes he’s been absent, however, Inter has managed just two goals, with an average of 134 minutes per goal. This stark difference highlights just how vital Bastoni has become as an offensive outlet.

Barella and Bastoni: Inter’s New Core

After years of speculation and expectations, it has finally become clear: Barella and Bastoni are the core of this Inter team. Following their triumph with Italy in the 2021 European Championship, many of Inter’s legends and former directors anticipated that these two could someday replace the likes of Edin Džeko, Marcelo Brozović, or Romelu Lukaku as the true leaders of the team. While they were crucial members of the starting lineup back then, their roles were still seen as complementary to the more established stars.

Now, that moment has arrived. The responsibility has shifted, and Barella and Bastoni have become indispensable to Inter’s success. Barella is the defensive linchpin, as evidenced by his influence on Inter’s clean sheet streak. With Barella on the pitch for 582 minutes this season, Inter has conceded just three goals, averaging one goal every 194 minutes. When he’s absent, Inter’s defense has struggled, conceding six goals in 408 minutes—an average of one every 68 minutes.

Bastoni, on the other hand, is the team’s offensive engine, driving forward from the back and creating chances with his vision and technical ability. His vertical passes and ball-carrying skills have transformed Inter’s buildup play, allowing them to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities more frequently.

The Future of Inter’s Success

As Inter continues its journey in the Champions League and Serie A, it’s becoming increasingly clear that their success hinges on the performances of Barella and Bastoni. While they have strong support from a talented squad, these two Italian stars are the ones who have taken on the mantle of leadership, guiding the team through difficult moments and ensuring that Inter remains competitive on all fronts. Their influence on both defense and attack has made them indispensable, and their continued development will be crucial to Inter’s ambitions in Europe and beyond.