Inter Milan’s Stunning 14 Goals in Three Matches: A Double Warning to Serie A

Inter Milan’s recent performances have sent shockwaves through Serie A, as Simone Inzaghi’s side scored an astonishing 14 goals in just three league games. The 6-0 demolition of Lazio, following a 5-0 rout of Verona and a 3-1 win over Parma, has established the Nerazzurri as the team to beat this season. However, as Italian media have pointed out, these results carry a deeper message—Inter are not just dominant; they are making a statement to their domestic rivals.

A Historic Humiliation for Lazio

The match against Lazio was particularly significant, not just for the scoreline but for its historical implications. Losing 6-0 at home is a first for the Roman club in Serie A’s 100-year history. The last time Lazio conceded six goals in a league match was in 1994, when they fell 1-6 to Juventus. For Simone Inzaghi, this encounter carried personal weight—returning to face his former club, where he spent years as a player and coach, only to inflict a crushing defeat on them.

Lazio fans were left devastated, flooding social media with their frustrations. Many questioned why Inzaghi showed no mercy to his old team. Italian media offered an explanation: Lazio’s refusal to accept defeat gracefully ultimately led to their downfall.

Lazio’s Tactical Gamble Backfires

Inter’s fifth and sixth goals epitomized Lazio’s struggles. By the time Inter had established a four-goal lead, Inzaghi had already substituted key players like Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Alessandro Bastoni, and Federico Dimarco, signaling an intent to ease off. Yet Lazio chose to fight back aggressively, opting for high pressing and relentless attacks.

This high-risk approach left Lazio’s defense exposed, forcing Inter to counterattack through open spaces. What could have ended as a routine victory turned into a historic thrashing. Italian commentators described this as a self-inflicted wound—Lazio’s inability to accept the inevitable pushed Inter to turn a dominant win into a bloodbath.

The Tactical Targeting of Tavares

While Inter’s collective brilliance was evident, the performance of Lazio’s Nuno Tavares stood out for all the wrong reasons. The Portuguese full-back, on loan from Arsenal, was identified as a weak link even before the match. Italian media had predicted that Inter would exploit Tavares, and their tactical preparation paid off spectacularly.

Tavares was directly involved in four of Inter’s goals:

1. The first goal came from a corner he failed to defend, leading to a penalty.
2. The second and third goals saw him outmaneuvered by Denzel Dumfries and Çalhanoğlu, who delivered decisive assists.
3. The fourth goal was a header by Dumfries, who outjumped Tavares with ease.

Despite his four successful dribbles, Tavares was awarded the lowest ratings by multiple outlets, with scores as low as 4/10. His pre-match comments about Lazio’s title ambitions and his own attacking prowess were rendered hollow by Inter’s systematic dismantling of his defensive vulnerabilities.

Inter’s Relentless Efficiency

Inter’s recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary. Across three games, they have scored 14 goals while conceding only one. Their dominance is even more remarkable considering they achieved these results while rotating players and conserving energy for a grueling schedule of domestic and European fixtures.

This efficiency is a marked contrast to last season when Inter often settled for narrow wins. In many cases, opponents would concede defeat after falling behind by one or two goals. This season, however, teams like Lazio have chosen to fight until the final whistle, believing they can claw their way back. Inter’s response has been to crush such resistance decisively, sending a clear message: challenging them is futile.

Two Signals to Serie A

Italian media have identified two key messages from Inter’s recent performances:

1. The Champions Are Hungry: Despite being reigning champions, Inter have shown no signs of complacency. Their hunger for success is evident in their relentless attacking displays and ability to punish even the slightest mistakes from their opponents.
2. Accept Reality or Face Consequences: Teams that refuse to acknowledge Inter’s superiority and adopt a pragmatic approach risk suffering humiliating defeats. As one commentator put it, “Facing this Inter without accepting reality is a dangerous thing.”

A Strategic Necessity

Inter’s approach is not just about asserting dominance; it is also a strategic necessity. With commitments in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, Inzaghi’s squad cannot afford to expend maximum energy in every match. By securing early leads and forcing opponents into submission, Inter can manage their workload effectively.

However, when teams like Lazio refuse to back down, Inter are left with no choice but to respond with ruthless efficiency. This has led to a series of lopsided victories that not only boost their confidence but also serve as a warning to the rest of the league.

A Warning to Serie A

Inter’s recent run has demonstrated that they are a cut above the competition. Their ability to adapt, exploit weaknesses, and maintain intensity even with rotated squads makes them a formidable force. For rivals harboring ambitions of challenging for the title, the message is clear: underestimating or provoking Inter will only lead to devastating consequences.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Serie A teams will adjust their approach or continue to challenge Inter head-on. One thing is certain—this Nerazzurri side is not just playing to win; they are playing to dominate.