Inter Milan's Toughest Second Half in 20 Years: The 19-0 Storm and Rediscovering Traditional Defensive Strengths

On a rainy day, Inter Milan clinched a 1-0 victory over Bologna, marking their 13th consecutive win and temporarily extending their lead to 18 points. Despite the victory, Inter paid a heavy price with injuries to two key rotation players, Augusto and Arnautović. However, they achieved their objectives: maintaining their winning streak before facing Atlético Madrid, reducing the burden on key players through rotation, and giving young talents valuable playing time. Lautaro Martinez, Federico Dimarco, and Benjamin Pavard didn't play a single minute, while Marcus Thuram and the three main midfielders were substituted early. Yann Aurel Bisseck emerged as the hero, scoring two decisive goals this season that have directly contributed six points. Such experiences are invaluable for the young player’s development.

Liu Teng frequently emphasized that this was a "pyrrhic victory" for Inter. Indeed, Inter's performance was somewhat scrappy. According to OPTA, Inter did not register a single shot in the second half, trailing 0-12 in attempts. This was the first time since OPTA began comprehensive Serie A data monitoring in the 2004-05 season that Inter failed to take a shot in the second half of a league match. Calling this Inter's toughest game in recent memory, or even one of the toughest second halves in the past 20 years, would not be an exaggeration.

Despite being so passive, the coach still dared to substitute Thuram and the three main midfielders and refrained from bringing on Lautaro and other core players, highlighting the importance placed on the upcoming match against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

Key Records Amidst the Struggle

While Inter endured one of their most challenging second halves in 20 years, they also set several significant records. Sommer's clean sheet streak continued, marking his 17th clean sheet in Serie A this season, leading the top five European leagues and tying Inter's single-season record (previously held by Julio Cesar in 2009-10 and Samir Handanovic in 2017-18 and 2018-19).

Throughout the season, Inter have scored 19 goals after the 75th minute in all competitions while conceding none. This remarkable record underscores the team's resilience and tactical acumen in the closing stages of matches. Inter's fans had braced for a potential draw or loss in this match, but Sommer had other plans, determined to keep his clean sheet record intact. His stellar performance against the likes of Zirkzee and Ferguson earned him deserved acclaim.

Inzaghi's Rotation Mastery

Inter's ability to excel in the final quarter-hour of matches is a testament to coach Simone Inzaghi's effective rotation strategy. The final stages of games are not just about skill and tactics but also about endurance, stamina, and the impact of substitutions. Inzaghi, the only Serie A coach to have used all his substitution slots up to this point, has shown a keen understanding of this aspect.

Inter's management, led by Marotta, also deserves credit for balancing the squad's budget constraints with the need for effective rotation. Despite financial challenges, Marotta has managed to maintain a squad where substitutes are both affordable and capable of stepping up when needed. His role in maintaining discipline within the team, ensuring that substitutes are ready to perform without causing unrest, is noteworthy.

Defensive Solidity as a Hallmark

Inter's offensive prowess this season has been widely praised, with the team once holding the record for most goals in Europe's top five leagues. However, it's equally important to recognize that Inter have also conceded the fewest goals among these leagues. Given that in the majority of matches, Inter were leading in the final stages, prioritizing defense to maintain their lead was essential. The record of not conceding any goals after the 75th minute so far this season is a testament to their defensive strength and strategic acumen.

Against Bologna, a team on a six-match winning streak and one of the most in-form teams in Serie A, Inter showcased their defensive mettle. Despite the challenging circumstances, they held on to their 1-0 lead with resolute defending. Bologna's coach, Thiago Motta, expressed frustration post-match, lamenting that his team dominated but failed to capitalize on their superiority. Critics pointed out that despite Bologna's dominance, they only managed one shot on target in the second half, highlighting Inter's defensive solidity.

Preparing for Atlético Madrid

The match against Bologna can be seen as a dress rehearsal for Inter's upcoming Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid. Inzaghi emphasized that Atlético are a different team at home compared to away matches, and Inter are prepared for the challenges they will face. Historically, whether in the "Great Inter" era or the "Treble-winning" season, Inter have always relied on strong defense to achieve great results. While this season's team is known for its attractive attacking play, the ability to "grind out" results by focusing on defense is a crucial skill that cannot be neglected.

In the upcoming match against Atlético Madrid, Inter will face a similar scenario: protecting a narrow lead while enduring pressure from a formidable opponent. Inter's ability to adapt to such situations and maintain their defensive discipline will be crucial for their success. The lessons learned from the match against Bologna, particularly in managing a passive second half, will be invaluable in this context.

In conclusion, while Inter's second half against Bologna was arguably one of the most challenging in recent memory, it also provided valuable insights and reaffirmed the team's strengths. As they prepare for the crucial Champions League encounter, the resilience and defensive solidity displayed in Serie A will serve them well. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Inter's journey, confident that the team is well-equipped to handle the pressures of high-stakes football.