Inter's New North Stand Hero Emerges: Inzaghi's Supercoppa Plan Unveiled

In their review of Inter Milan’s narrow victory over Verona, Italy’s Sky Sports raised a crucial question: Is Lautaro Martínez bearing too much of the burden in the current system? Lautaro is responsible for leading the front-line press, covering gaps on the wings, and assisting in the build-up from the back. Despite these tasks, he remains Inter’s most efficient finisher. Will this heavy workload affect his scoring efficiency? Could this lead to a repeat of last season’s mid-term slump where missed opportunities cost the team valuable points?

This question leads us to focus on Inter’s new “Son of the North Stand” – Davide Frattesi. In the 93rd minute of the Verona match, Frattesi secured a last-minute victory for Inter. Despite some media and Verona fans arguing the goal should have been disallowed, Inter fans were more intrigued by who pulled down Frattesi’s shorts during the celebration. This quirky detail aside, Frattesi’s performance merits serious discussion.

Frattesi’s Shooting Prowess

Analyzing Inter’s seven main scorers in the league so far (excluding set-pieces specialists like Hakan Çalhanoğlu), Frattesi’s shooting stats are impressive. Here’s a comparison of Inter’s key scorers:

• Lautaro Martínez: 15 goals, 43.6% shots on target, average shot distance 12.2 meters, conversion rate 27%, 1.01 goals per 90 minutes.
• Marcus Thuram: 7 goals, 38% shots on target, average shot distance 10.5 meters, conversion rate 14%, 0.43 goals per 90 minutes.
• Federico Dimarco: 3 goals, 45.5% shots on target, average shot distance 20.2 meters, conversion rate 14%, 0.12 goals per 90 minutes.
• Nicolò Barella: 2 goals, 33.3% shots on target, average shot distance 16.2 meters, conversion rate 11%, 0.12 goals per 90 minutes.
• Denzel Dumfries: 2 goals, 23.1% shots on target, average shot distance 11.5 meters, conversion rate 15%, 0.18 goals per 90 minutes.
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 2 goals, 18.2% shots on target, average shot distance 16.2 meters, conversion rate 9%, 0.12 goals per 90 minutes.
• Davide Frattesi: 2 goals, 41.7% shots on target, average shot distance 11.5 meters, conversion rate 17%, 0.51 goals per 90 minutes.

Though Frattesi’s sample size is smaller due to limited playing time, his goal-scoring efficiency stands out. His ability to finish chances is second only to Lautaro, highlighting his shooting prowess. Some fans argue that Frattesi’s limited minutes inflate his stats. However, given his sporadic appearances primarily as a substitute, his consistency in seizing opportunities speaks volumes about his genuine talent.

Addressing Lautaro’s Workload

Given Lautaro’s extensive responsibilities, there’s a legitimate concern that it might impact his scoring efficiency. Could increasing Frattesi’s playing time help alleviate some of this burden? Frattesi’s superior shooting stats suggest he could complement Lautaro by sharing the scoring load, addressing Inter’s occasional struggle to convert chances.

Frattesi’s Passionate Play

Frattesi’s passionate displays have endeared him to the North Stand faithful. From gesturing towards Leão in the Milan derby to his wild celebrations, Frattesi’s fervor is palpable. His emotional connection with the fans and his spirited performances make him a fan favorite despite limited playing time.

Frattesi’s antics, like kicking the turf before a penalty, have garnered admiration from fans, who see him as a tactical genius. This passion and enthusiasm could be exactly what Inter needs to break out of their current sluggish phase. His energy and drive can inspire the team, especially when they seem half-awake post-Christmas.

Inzaghi’s Tactical Adjustments

Reports from multiple media outlets indicate that Inzaghi plans to significantly increase Frattesi’s playing time in the second half of the season. Despite only starting once in Serie A so far, Frattesi’s impactful performances have convinced the coaching staff of his value. Inzaghi, known for his cup success, is eyeing the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana and sees Frattesi as a key player in this crucial period.

To prepare for the Supercoppa and the Champions League knockout stages, Inzaghi intends to rotate his squad more effectively. This strategy involves resting key players like Barella and Çalhanoğlu, ensuring they are in peak condition for decisive matches. The Verona game was meant to provide a rest opportunity, but missed chances disrupted this plan. Now, Inzaghi may consider starting Frattesi to manage the workload of his primary midfielders.

Conclusion

The emergence of Davide Frattesi as a crucial player for Inter Milan highlights both his individual talent and the team’s need for his qualities. His shooting accuracy and passionate play offer solutions to some of Inter’s current challenges. As Inzaghi prepares for the Supercoppa Italiana and the latter stages of the season, utilizing Frattesi more prominently could be key to maintaining Inter’s competitive edge.

Inter Milan’s strategy for the remainder of the season will likely involve leveraging Frattesi’s strengths to balance the workload among the squad, particularly for players like Lautaro Martínez. This approach not only preserves the fitness of core players but also maximizes the potential of rising stars like Frattesi. His contributions on and off the pitch have already made a significant impact, and his role is set to expand as Inter Milan navigates the critical months ahead.