Inter's Victory Marred by Two Major Setbacks: Four Forward Options, Inzaghi Suggests a Dual-Solution Strategy

In the sunny afternoon of Tuscany, Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory over Empoli, marking Simone Inzaghi as the fourth coach in the club's history to achieve five consecutive wins at the start of the season. Despite the win, the match fell short of expectations, especially for Inter's traveling fans. As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport before the match, Inter were haunted by two curses—the early game jinx and the "12-6 curse" (having lost six out of 12 league games following Champions League matches last season). The three points were crucial, regardless of the performance.

Several players deserve praise for their efforts. Benjamin Pavard, after just two games, has already impressed everyone. Quality often comes at a high price, but Pavard has proven to be worth every penny. Federico Dimarco, often criticized unfairly, continues to silence his detractors. Since last season, Dimarco has made the Champions League Best XI and currently tops the Serie A assist charts. His critical goals and assists have been countless, earning him significant respect. Then there’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Despite Pavard and Dimarco's stellar performances, many experts and media outlets still chose the Turkish midfielder as the best player of the match, a testament to his deserving acclaim.

However, even in victory, Inter's vulnerabilities are evident, and it is essential to discuss the two significant regrets from this match.

The First Regret: Arnautović’s Injury

The first major setback was Marko Arnautović's injury. Initial post-match reports suggest the veteran Austrian forward suffered a muscle strain, which could sideline him for months. Inzaghi emphasized the impact of this loss: "Without Arnautović, we lose a crucial element in our rotation." Following this news, Italian media quickly speculated whether Inter would sign another free agent forward. Polls were conducted to gauge fans' preferences among options like Simone Zaza, Felipe Caicedo, Fabio Quagliarella, and Stefano Okaka. Inzaghi stated that the team would wait for medical results before discussing potential signings with the management.

The Second Regret: Klaassen's Absence

The second regret was Davy Klaassen not making an appearance. Inzaghi noted that the team should have scored a second goal. This isn't just to appease fans but also to alleviate pressure, especially with injuries and substitution limits. With a two-goal cushion, Inzaghi could have rested key players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan earlier, giving Klaassen a chance to debut and integrate with the team. However, circumstances didn't allow for this, and Klaassen’s debut will have to wait. Playing his first match at home could also be advantageous, given the tight schedule.

Addressing the Two Regrets with a Single Solution

These regrets also hint at a potential dual solution. Instead of spending on a possibly redundant free agent, could there be a strategy to address both issues simultaneously? Inzaghi himself pointed out this possibility when asked about alternative solutions in Arnautović’s absence. "Losing Arnautović is a significant blow, but we have other options. We can use Klaassen or Mkhitaryan as second forwards, and we will continue to start with two forwards."

If Arnautović is out for months, Inter will be left with only Lautaro Martínez, Alexis Sánchez, and Marcus Thuram as their primary forwards. Given the fragility of Sánchez and Thuram, having additional options is crucial. Inzaghi has already experimented with Mkhitaryan as a forward with some success. Klaassen has also played as a forward for Ajax and the Netherlands, bringing valuable experience to the role.

Utilizing Klaassen could solve two problems at once. He was initially seen as Mkhitaryan’s backup, so if Mkhitaryan moves forward, Klaassen will have more opportunities to step in. This approach would maximize existing resources without the need for an additional signing.

Inter's Continued Challenges

Securing five consecutive wins at the start of the season doesn’t guarantee a smooth journey ahead for Inter. The team still faces numerous challenges. Arnautović’s injury highlights the thin depth in the forward line, and relying heavily on a few key players could be risky. Signing a new forward might seem necessary, but integrating a new player into the squad mid-season has its difficulties.

Player Performances and Tactical Adjustments

Inter's current form is built on solid individual performances and tactical flexibility. Pavard's defensive prowess and Dimarco's creative spark have been pivotal. Çalhanoğlu's consistent performances provide stability in midfield, which is crucial for transitioning from defense to attack.

Inzaghi's willingness to adapt tactically, such as using Mkhitaryan and potentially Klaassen in more advanced roles, reflects his strategic acumen. This flexibility will be vital as the season progresses and the team faces different challenges domestically and in Europe.

The Importance of Squad Depth

Squad depth remains a critical factor for Inter's success. The team's ability to rotate players without losing quality on the pitch will determine their endurance through a long season. Arnautović's injury exposes the need for more depth, especially with a congested fixture list. While internal solutions like using Klaassen and Mkhitaryan can mitigate immediate concerns, long-term strategies must address potential injuries and fatigue.

Looking Ahead

Inter's journey this season will undoubtedly be a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows. The early winning streak has set a positive tone, but maintaining momentum will require navigating injuries, tactical adjustments, and managing player fatigue. Fans and analysts will watch closely as Inzaghi continues to mold his team, adapting to challenges and making strategic decisions that could define Inter's season.

In conclusion, Inter's victory over Empoli, while significant, has brought to light the ongoing challenges and potential solutions for the squad. Inzaghi's tactical flexibility and strategic vision will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles and steering Inter towards a successful season. The beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, and as new challenges emerge, so do opportunities for innovation and adaptation.