Inter Milan's Strategy for Derby Victory and Zhang Kangyang's Controversial Move

This morning, AC Milan was knocked out of the Europa League by AS Roma. Unlike the typically anxious and pessimistic Inter fans, the Rossoneri supporters and their team are brimming with confidence. After the match, coach Stefano Pioli emphasized, “The fans keep telling us how important the next Milan Derby is,” implying that their European exit was partly due to the distraction of the upcoming derby. Fans took to social media to stress that the defeat was not due to a lack of effort but because their focus was already on the weekend’s clash with Inter. They promised not to blame anyone for the European exit, as long as they win the derby, celebrating with fervor if victorious.

Amidst this, Inter’s chairman Zhang Kangyang caused quite a stir by displaying a second star in his social media bio ahead of time. Known for his modest and low-key demeanor, this pre-derby move of claiming a championship prematurely was unusual for him. Although intended to boost Inter’s morale, it left some AC Milan fans fuming. The Milan Derby has never been just a contest of tactics and physical prowess; it is a comprehensive battle of strategy, morale, and psychology. The pre-match war of words is a sign that the derby flames are already burning intensely. Ultimately, though, it’s the on-field performance that will decide everything.

So how will Inter seek victory? Insights from Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Davide Stoppini, who follows Inter closely, reveal coach Simone Inzaghi’s five key strategies:

1. A Strong Start

Inter is the team that scores the most goals in the first 15 minutes of matches in Serie A. In their previous five consecutive derby victories against AC Milan, Inter scored within the first 10 minutes in three of those games. The coaching staff hopes they can do it again.

2. Sustaining High Intensity

Inter has spent a week preparing for this match, while Milan played a grueling Europa League game, giving Inter a physical advantage. To maximize this, Inter plans to maintain a high intensity throughout the match. In simple terms: a relentless pace, challenging Milan to keep up and see who tires first.

3. Countering Pioli’s Tactics

One reason for Stefano Pioli’s five consecutive derby losses is his tendency to make sudden tactical changes before or during the match, sometimes confusing the opponents but often disrupting his own team’s rhythm. Inter’s coaching staff has prepared various countermeasures to deal with Pioli’s potential surprises, aiming to neutralize or even exploit them.

4. Effective Substitutions and Plan B

Inzaghi is recognized as one of the best in Serie A at utilizing the five-substitution rule. Inter has several impactful players like Davide Frattesi and Alexis Sánchez available for rotation. Since Inter plans to play at a high intensity to leverage their physical advantage, making timely substitutions to maintain energy levels is strategically crucial.

5. Pre-Match Stress Relief

The race for the league title is like a marathon, and the closer they get to the finish line, the more likely emotions will fluctuate. This is natural and understandable. If Inter becomes too anxious and tense, it could lead to problems. Comparatively, AC Milan is under less pressure; they are 6 points ahead of the third place in the league and don’t fear being overtaken soon. Having lost five consecutive derbies, any points gained would be acceptable. Inter, on the other hand, faces greater pressure—they must win; even a draw would be insufficient.

If they fail to win and delay their celebrations, they might disappoint their fans and feel regret. Therefore, reducing pre-match stress is essential for Inter. Recently, the team has seen playful antics from characters like Marcus Thuram and consistent reminders of the “Inter family atmosphere” from veterans like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian. These are all effective ways to ease pre-match tension. Commentator Massimo Altobelli even suggested that Zhang Kangyang’s social media move was also aimed at reducing pressure on the team. Although it has sparked controversy, it serves as a reminder that winning the derby is just a matter of timing, and there’s no need to be overly tense. With six rounds remaining and a 14-point lead, Inter’s title is unlikely to slip away to AC Milan. If the chairman can be optimistic, why should the players and coaches be anxious?

The Importance of Mental Preparation

In the lead-up to the match, mental preparation has been a focal point for Inter. Inzaghi has stressed the importance of staying calm and focused, treating the game as a part of the broader season’s journey rather than a do-or-die event. The team’s psychology experts have worked closely with the players to maintain a balanced state of mind, reminding them that while the derby is crucial, it’s still one match in a series that defines their championship aspirations.

Tactical Flexibility

Inzaghi has also emphasized tactical flexibility. Given Pioli’s history of unpredictable tactical shifts, Inter has prepared multiple game plans to adapt to changing circumstances on the pitch. Whether it’s altering formation or personnel, Inter is ready to respond dynamically to whatever Milan throws at them. This readiness to adjust on the fly could prove decisive in a tightly contested match.

Leveraging Fan Support

Finally, leveraging fan support will be key. San Siro will be a cauldron of emotions, and harnessing the energy from the stands could give Inter the extra edge they need. The players are aware of the fans’ expectations and are determined to deliver a performance worthy of their support. The atmosphere in the stadium will be electric, and Inter plans to feed off this energy to push them towards victory.

In conclusion, Inter Milan’s preparation for the upcoming derby is thorough and multifaceted. From ensuring a strong start and maintaining high intensity to countering Pioli’s tactics and managing pre-match stress, every aspect has been meticulously planned. Zhang Kangyang’s controversial move, while debatable, underscores the confidence within the club. As the derby day approaches, all eyes will be on San Siro, waiting to see if Inter can secure their sixth consecutive derby victory and inch closer to the Serie A title.