Inter's Terrifying Beast Fills Seven-Year Gap, Another Surprise Talent Sets Serie A Record

Inter Milan recently defeated Frosinone 5-0, marking a milestone as they surpassed 4600 points in Serie A history. The standout player of the match was Davide Frattesi, who was unanimously chosen as Man of the Match by both official fan votes and Italian media ratings. Frattesi played for 64 minutes, registering 47 touches and completing 35 passes with an 89% success rate. Notable improvements in his performance included two tackles, one goal-line clearance, and a 75% success rate in duels, showcasing enhanced defensive effectiveness.

However, Italian media emphasized that forcing Frattesi to emulate Henrikh Mkhitaryan or fulfill defensive pivot roles isn't the best strategy. Allowing players to express their unique qualities on the field is the essence of tactics. Frattesi's distinct strengths lie in his top-tier ability to make late runs into the box and his striking power in front of goal. Fully utilizing these attributes is crucial as they address a significant weakness in Inter's lineup.

Frattesi’s strengths are evident. He possesses an exceptional knack for scoring, demonstrated by several records. Firstly, he became the first Italian midfielder to score 5+ league goals in a single season for Inter since Antonio Candreva in the 2016-17 season. Unlike Candreva, who played as a winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Frattesi’s goals from central midfield are even more impressive. Secondly, he is one of only three Italian midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues to score 5+ goals in consecutive seasons. Thirdly, this season, Frattesi has contributed to eight goals (six goals and two assists) in Serie A, setting a personal best and highlighting his ongoing development at just 24 years old.

La Gazzetta dello Sport praised Frattesi’s "beastly destructive power" in front of goal, which manifests in two key areas: efficiency and versatility. So far this season, ten Inter players have attempted over 25 shots across all competitions. Their shot-to-goal conversion rates are: Lautaro Martínez (141 shots, 16%), Marcus Thuram (89 shots, 16%), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (66 shots, 4% excluding 12 penalties), Federico Dimarco (56 shots, 11%), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (48 shots, 4%), Nicolò Barella (48 shots, 4%), Davide Frattesi (39 shots, 18%), Carlos Augusto (32 shots, 3%), Denzel Dumfries (28 shots, 11%), and Marko Arnautović (27 shots, 15%). Frattesi’s 18% conversion rate is notably higher than his midfield teammates and even exceeds that of all Inter forwards. This impressive statistic underscores his ability to be in the right place at the right time and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Objectively, other Inter midfielders’ low 2%-4% conversion rates highlight a significant shortfall in goal threat from midfield, unlike powerhouse clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Addressing this weakness is crucial as Inter has often relied heavily on its forwards. Frattesi’s contributions in this regard are invaluable.

Frattesi’s versatility is another critical asset. According to OPTA, his 52 career goals across Serie B, Serie A, European competitions, and international youth teams were scored with 43% from his right foot, 33% from his left foot, and 24% with his head or other body parts. This ambidextrous and all-round ability makes him a formidable late runner into the box. Without such versatility, he couldn’t consistently finish chances when the ball falls to his weaker foot or head. In this regard, Frattesi is more robust than many highly-rated midfielders currently in Serie A.

Beyond Frattesi, Tajon Buchanan’s maiden goal for Inter is worth noting. Buchanan became Inter's 17th different goalscorer in Serie A this season, the highest in the league. Excluding goalkeepers, 23 Inter players have featured in the league, with 17 finding the net. Additionally, Pavard, Cuadrado, Augusto, and Sensi have contributed assists, showcasing the team's impressive attacking depth, with 91.3% of outfield players involved in goals. Only youth player Akinsanmiro and Klaassen have yet to score.

Inzaghi’s choice to deploy Buchanan primarily on the left, utilizing his accurate right foot for cutting inside and shooting, reflects tactical flexibility. However, in the post-match press conference, Inzaghi clarified that this decision was also influenced by the crowded right-wing options of Dumfries, Darmian, and Cuadrado. With Cuadrado’s departure certain and Dumfries' contract situation unclear, Buchanan’s position for next season remains uncertain.

Inzaghi highlighted Buchanan’s communication as a primary area for improvement, describing him as introverso (introverted). However, Buchanan has integrated well into the team, and Inzaghi appreciates his dedication in training. With a strong work ethic and continuous language improvement, Buchanan, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, is expected to play a more significant role in the next campaign.

Inter Milan's current success is built on both established stars and emerging talents. Frattesi’s remarkable performances address long-standing midfield issues, while Buchanan's potential promises future contributions. These developments underscore Inter's strategic depth and adaptability, positioning the team for continued success in both domestic and European competitions.