Inter's National Stars Shine Abroad: Key Midfield Insurance Brings Optimism for Inzaghi

Inter Milan’s recent successes extend far beyond domestic performances, with several of their players shining on the international stage. Despite not being regular starters for the Nerazzurri, Davide Frattesi, Piotr Zieliński, and Kristjan Asllani have all delivered standout performances for their respective national teams, showcasing the depth and versatility of Simone Inzaghi’s squad. With a grueling schedule ahead, Inter’s midfield now appears well-equipped with three robust options for crucial positions, a development that bodes well for the remainder of the season.

Frattesi: Italy’s Big-Game Specialist

Davide Frattesi has been a revelation for Italy, cementing his status as a "big-game player" with another scintillating performance in the Azzurri’s recent 3-1 victory over France. The 24-year-old midfielder narrowly missed a hat-trick, further reinforcing his reputation as a consistent contributor in high-pressure matches.

Although his playing time at Inter has been limited to just 1,600 minutes since his arrival, Frattesi has made an outsized impact, scoring 8 goals and providing 6 assists. What stands out is his ability to deliver in critical encounters—his contributions in games against AC Milan, Atalanta, Lazio, and even on the Champions League stage underscore his importance as a dependable asset.

Similarly, his performances for the national team have been equally impactful, with nearly half of his goal contributions coming against top-tier opponents like the Netherlands and France. Recognizing his immense value, Inter reportedly fended off interest from Juventus, Roma, Atlético Madrid, and two Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, a testament to the club’s long-term faith in his abilities.

Despite concerns from fans about limited opportunities due to Zieliński’s arrival, Frattesi’s versatility and clutch performances ensure he remains a vital part of Inzaghi’s plans. His current role as Inter’s "super sub" positions him as a key contributor in both the present and future.

Zieliński: The Polish Maestro and Tactical Asset

Piotr Zieliński, a summer acquisition for Inter, has also been thriving with his national team, Poland. The midfielder donned the No. 10 jersey in Poland’s 3-2 Nations League victory over Scotland, playing as a deep-lying playmaker in a 3-5-2 system—mirroring Inter’s tactical setup. Zieliński's performance included extensive coverage of the pitch, two crucial clearances, one interception, and an impressive 87% pass accuracy. His incisive long passes were a highlight, earning him praise and a spot in the match highlights.

Zieliński’s adaptability makes him a significant asset for Inter. In recent tournaments, including the European Championships and Nations League, he has demonstrated his ability to excel in multiple midfield roles. Against the Netherlands, he played as a right central midfielder; against Austria, as a deep-lying playmaker; and against France, as a left-sided central midfielder. This versatility, coupled with his experience in a system similar to Inter’s, positions him as an effective alternative to Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the regista role.

His recent appearances for Poland further validate his capability to operate as a deep-lying playmaker. In his last 10 games in this role, Poland scored nine goals and achieved notable results, including a draw against France. Although the team conceded seven goals during this period, Zieliński’s influence in orchestrating their attacking play has been undeniable.

For Inter, Zieliński’s presence offers more than just depth; it provides tactical flexibility. Alongside Asllani, Zieliński gives Inzaghi the "triple insurance" needed for the regista position, reducing the need to rely on Nicolò Barella or Henrikh Mkhitaryan as emergency solutions, as was often the case last season.

Asllani: Emerging Talent with Room to Grow

Kristjan Asllani has been making waves with the Albanian national team, showing promise in roles beyond the one he typically plays at Inter. Unlike his assignments as a regista for the Nerazzurri, Asllani has thrived in more advanced midfield roles for Albania, including as a box-to-box midfielder and one-half of a double pivot.

His best performances for Inter have also come when deployed in a double-pivot system, often as part of a 3-4-3 formation. In these scenarios, Asllani’s natural abilities—vision, positional awareness, and ball progression—have been on full display. However, when tasked with replicating Çalhanoğlu’s regista role, his performances have been less consistent, leading to some criticism.

Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi has long advocated for giving Asllani opportunities to play in alternative positions, arguing that it would better suit his skill set and aid his development. Until now, Inzaghi has been reluctant to experiment due to the lack of reliable alternatives for the regista role. Zieliński’s arrival changes this equation, potentially allowing Asllani to transition into roles where he can maximize his impact.

Inter’s Three-Tiered Midfield Insurance

The arrival of Zieliński and the continued development of Frattesi and Asllani represent a significant upgrade in Inter’s midfield depth. With a demanding schedule ahead, including domestic and European fixtures, all three players are likely to see substantial playing time. This wealth of options gives Inzaghi greater tactical flexibility and reduces the risk of burnout for key starters like Çalhanoğlu, Barella, and Mkhitaryan.

It’s too early to definitively assign roles or pecking order within this talented midfield group. However, one thing is clear: Inter’s ability to rely on multiple high-quality options in critical positions will be a crucial factor in navigating the challenges of a congested season. For now, the performances of Frattesi, Zieliński, and Asllani on the international stage serve as a reminder of the strength and potential within Inzaghi’s squad.