Inter Milan’s Rotational Masterclass: Beyond the Scorers, Three Standout Performers

Inter Milan secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Udinese to advance to the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia, with Marko Arnautović and Kristjan Asllani, two players often criticized this season, stepping up as the goalscorers. Simone Inzaghi expressed his delight after the match, stating, “For a coach, to rotate 8-9 starters and still see the team perform like this is a wonderful thing.”

This win showcased the depth of Inter’s squad, as a heavily rotated lineup dominated an Udinese side that stuck largely to its regular starters. The fresh legs of Inter’s squad proved decisive, especially against an Udinese team that lacked energy and sharpness. The victory also highlighted three standout performances beyond the goal scorers, underscoring the success of Inter’s rotation policy.

Rotation Triumphs Over Consistency

Inzaghi’s decision to rotate heavily was validated by the physical disparity between the two teams. While Udinese fielded several players who also started in their recent league match against Inter, the Nerazzurri introduced fresh faces across the pitch. This physical edge was evident in one-on-one duels: Inter won 43 out of 75 duels, a significant improvement compared to their last league encounter with Udinese, where they lost 41 out of 76 duels.

The contrasting energy levels were pivotal. Udinese, known for their physical style, were outmuscled and outrun, particularly in the midfield, where Inter’s rotational players shone.

Asllani’s Energetic Display

Kristjan Asllani ended his goal drought dating back to March with a direct corner kick that found the back of the net. While he modestly credited the goal to luck, his overall performance was anything but accidental. In just 63 minutes, Asllani covered an impressive 8,350 meters, showcasing his stamina and work rate.

Asllani’s nickname on social media, “Asllani-Zovic,” reflects his reputation as a tireless runner. His endurance is a key asset for Inter, providing a solid baseline for his contributions. Despite criticism that his presence weakens Inter’s defense, statistics tell a different story: in 43 appearances (31 as a substitute) totaling 1,496 minutes since joining Inter, the team has conceded only 11 goals with him on the pitch.

While Asllani’s playmaking and control may not yet match Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s level, expecting a young player with one of the lowest salaries in the squad to match a Serie A superstar is unrealistic. His ability to maintain defensive stability and provide energy in midfield is invaluable for a rotational option.

Bisseck: A Towering Presence

Yann Aurel Bisseck was another standout performer, earning the highest ratings from outlets like La Gazzetta dello Sport. The young center-back, deployed centrally in a three-man defense, demonstrated his aerial dominance with a 100% success rate in four aerial duels. Against an Udinese side reliant on crosses and physicality, Bisseck’s performance nullified their primary attacking threat.

Bisseck’s distribution was equally impressive, completing all seven of his long passes. While his defensive positioning still needs refinement compared to veterans like Francesco Acerbi, his ability to step up in critical moments provides Inter with much-needed depth, especially as Acerbi’s injury status remains uncertain.

Josep Martínez: A Calm Debut

In goal, Josep Martínez had a quiet but assured debut. Udinese managed only one shot on target, a late effort in the 90th minute that Martínez saved comfortably. However, it was his distribution that caught the eye. The former Barcelona La Masia product completed 31 passes with a 94% accuracy rate, including 12 out of 14 long passes over 30 meters.

Martínez’s passing ability aligns with Inter’s build-from-the-back philosophy, providing an alternative to Yann Sommer. While Martínez’s inconsistency in training has limited his opportunities, this performance showcased his potential to challenge for a more significant role.

Zieliński’s Subtle Brilliance

Piotr Zieliński may not have produced highlight-reel moments, but his contribution in midfield was vital. Acting as the senior figure alongside Asllani and Davide Frattesi, Zieliński excelled in breaking up play and maintaining control.

The Polish midfielder led the team with three tackles and a 67% success rate in ground duels, ensuring Inter held their own in physical battles. His ability to “clean up” scrappy situations and keep possession flowing was instrumental in making the makeshift midfield function smoothly. Zieliński’s 68 passes, with a 94% completion rate, included several crucial transitions that allowed Inter to maintain control.

A Rewarding Night

Inter’s victory was not without its minor regrets, such as Mehdi Taremi’s missed chance that hit the post. However, the overall performance demonstrated the depth and quality of Inzaghi’s squad. Beyond the goals from Arnautović and Asllani, the displays from Bisseck, Martínez, and Zieliński provided reassurance about Inter’s ability to compete on multiple fronts without overburdening their regular starters.

Inzaghi’s rotation strategy has proven effective, offering opportunities for fringe players to shine while keeping the team fresh and competitive. As Inter march forward in the Coppa Italia, performances like this highlight the strength in depth that could prove decisive in their pursuit of silverware.