Inter Milan's Two-Pronged Strategy Revealed: Building Momentum for Derby Day and Identifying Potential Casualties

With nine points secured from their opening matches, AC Milan's players have already issued bold declarations: it's time to sharpen their blades and take on Inter Milan. As the city of Milan gears up for the Derby della Madonnina, both Milan clubs find themselves in the spotlight. AC Milan's new signings have already made their mark, while Inter Milan’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, has taken a more measured approach, favoring continuity from last season's squad over the immediate deployment of new arrivals.

While it may seem like Inzaghi is hesitant to fully integrate his summer signings, it’s clear that this approach stems not from dissatisfaction but from a calculated strategy. In various press conferences, Inzaghi has expressed his contentment with the new arrivals, emphasizing that he is “very satisfied and happy” with the reinforcements provided during the transfer window. However, his cautious approach to deploying these players signals a preference for stability and gradual integration rather than wholesale changes.

Inzaghi's approach is not conservative but rather prudent. In top-tier football, spending large sums on new players often raises expectations among pundits and fans alike. However, the reality often falls short, with many teams suffering from disjointed performances as they struggle to integrate multiple high-profile signings into an existing system. Inzaghi’s preference for a gradual introduction of new elements, rather than relying on individual brilliance, reflects a belief in the importance of structure and team cohesion over star power.

Inzaghi's Two Main Strategies

Italian media have highlighted two key strategies that Inzaghi is likely to employ as Inter navigates the early stages of the season. The first involves pursuing early-season victories before initiating a broader squad rotation after the Milan derby. The second centers around the specific role and future of new signing Davy Klaassen within the squad.

Early Season Focus on Continuity

Inzaghi’s first strategy is clear: aim for a strong start to the season by securing victories in the opening matches, and only then, after the crucial Milan derby, begin implementing significant rotations. Last season, Inter Milan’s performance improved significantly during the latter stages, particularly when Inzaghi increased squad rotation in response to the demands of competing on multiple fronts. In the latter half of the season, it was common to see Inter rotate four or five players between matches, a tactic that paid dividends as they secured a top-four finish and progressed deep into the Champions League.

Initially, Inzaghi was not a coach known for frequent rotations. Early in his tenure at Inter, he favored a consistent starting XI. However, last season’s experience taught him the value of rotating players to maintain freshness and avoid injuries, particularly in the crowded fixture schedule that comes with European competition. The success of this approach was evident as Inter recovered from a precarious position to secure Champions League qualification, a vital achievement for the club’s financial stability.

Given last season’s lessons, it is unlikely that Inzaghi will abandon his newfound appreciation for rotation. However, the coach appears to believe that the team is not yet ready for widespread rotation in the early part of the season. The primary reason? Victory. In football, winning is the best remedy for the challenges of integrating new players and building team chemistry. Inter’s plan is to rely on the established players in the upcoming matches against Fiorentina and AC Milan, allowing new signings to start from the bench. Should the derby yield a favorable result, it would create a more stable environment in which to gradually introduce larger-scale rotations.

The Role of Davy Klaassen

The second key strategy revolves around Davy Klaassen’s role within the team. There has been speculation that Klaassen’s arrival was a “bargain” pick-up by the club’s directors, potentially imposed on Inzaghi without his full approval. However, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest otherwise. According to the Italian sports daily, Klaassen may be new to the team, but Inzaghi already rates him more highly than some of the existing midfield options, such as Kristjan Asllani and Stefano Sensi.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio and other sources have indicated that Inter Milan’s sporting director Piero Ausilio had been in contact with Klaassen for several months, suggesting that Inzaghi was well aware of the possibility of signing the Dutchman and had likely considered how to utilize him within the squad. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Klaassen is viewed as a more physical player with greater experience in international competitions compared to Asllani and Sensi, attributes that Inzaghi values highly.

Klaassen’s expected position within the squad hierarchy will place him as the primary backup for two key midfield roles: those of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Before Klaassen’s arrival, these positions were primarily covered by Sensi and Asllani. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport believes that Klaassen’s physicality and experience give him an edge over the other two, making him the preferred option for Inzaghi when rotation becomes necessary.

As the squad prepares for the upcoming Champions League campaign, Klaassen’s inclusion in the registration list seems almost certain. This could lead to one, or even both, of Sensi and Asllani being left out, making them potential casualties of the team’s evolving dynamics.

The Bigger Picture: Stability First, Then Evolution

In summary, for a team undergoing significant changes, prioritizing stability and gradual integration is the best approach. While every player starts the season with an initial role or expectation, these are not set in stone. As the season progresses, performances on the pitch will ultimately define each player’s standing within the squad.

In Inzaghi’s era at Inter Milan, there have been instances where substitutes have successfully fought their way into the starting lineup through sheer performance. A prime example is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who, despite being initially viewed as a secondary option when he joined the club last summer, ultimately established himself as a key player.

As the season unfolds, Inter Milan’s squad will continue to evolve. The club's early focus on continuity and strategic integration of new players is a calculated move aimed at building momentum and ensuring that when the time comes for broader rotations, the team is well-prepared to maintain its competitive edge. Whether Klaassen and other new signings will follow Mkhitaryan’s path from backup to indispensable starter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Inzaghi’s Inter Milan is a team built on strategy, not just star power.