Serie A Round 22: Inter Milan's Short Preparation Time, Lazio Hopes to End Home Losing Streak

The 22nd round of Serie A matches continued in the early hours of January 29th, Beijing time, with the four teams that traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup set to face off against each other. League leaders Inter Milan had just played the final against Napoli five days earlier, leaving them with a short adjustment period upon returning to Italy. The question remains: how will their form hold up? Lazio, whose strength is comparable to Napoli, find themselves in a better physical condition and with a more complete squad than the reigning champions. Sarri's clear objective will be to secure all three points.

Fiorentina vs. Inter Milan - How Will They Perform After Returning from Saudi Arabia?

With Juventus and AC Milan both drawing in this round, league leaders Inter Milan have a prime opportunity to extend their lead. The Nerazzurri have had an excellent start to 2024, securing back-to-back wins in Serie A and clinching the Italian Super Cup. Should Inter Milan win the Serie A title this season, adding to last season's Champions League runner-up finish and their recent Italian Cup victories, Simone Inzaghi could firmly establish himself as a world-class manager. Over time, the "little" prefix in "Little Inzaghi" might just fade away.

Though Inter Milan narrowly defeated Napoli 1-0 in the Super Cup final in Riyadh, they dominated the match. Especially after Napoli's striker Giovanni Simeone was sent off in the 60th minute, Inter's attacks became relentless. Thuram squandered two close-range scoring opportunities, evoking memories of Romelu Lukaku's missed chances last season. However, Inter's offense had its bright spots, such as Frattesi's exquisite dummy in the opponent's box during injury time, which set up Lautaro's low shot for the winning goal. This moment was reminiscent of Rivaldo and Ronaldo's classic connection in the 2002 World Cup final.

Financially, Inter Milan is stronger than most Serie A teams, but still far behind the dominant Juventus, not to mention the various Premier League giants. It's believed that after this season, Inzaghi will face the challenge of defending his managerial position. Fiorentina, having been thrashed 3-0 by Napoli in the Italian Super Cup semi-final, returned to Italy ten days ago and should have readjusted to the local time zone and weather. A win in this round would see them back in the Champions League spots. Fiorentina's current form evokes memories of the Serie A golden era with the striking partnership of Batistuta and Rui Costa, who provided countless classic moments for fans during their six-year stint together at Fiorentina.

In their first encounter this season, Inter Milan triumphed 4-0. Currently, Inter is undoubtedly stronger in terms of both strength and morale, but Fiorentina holds a clear physical advantage. The match might end in a 1-1 draw.

Lazio vs. Napoli - Will the Super Cup Affect Their Form?

Lazio is on a four-game winning streak, trailing the Champions League spots by just three points with a game in hand. Coach Sarri's ability to manage crises is commendable. However, they appeared somewhat lethargic in the recent Italian Super Cup, showing little resistance against last season's Italian Cup winners Inter Milan, ultimately surrendering 3-0. Given Lazio's squad, maintaining a competitive distance to the Champions League spots in Serie A and advancing from the Champions League group stage is already a significant achievement. Their objective in the Super Cup was likely just to earn some extra cash.

Defending Serie A champions Napoli, on the other hand, went to Riyadh with the clear intent to win the Super Cup. However, the absence of their top striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently with the Nigerian national team in the African Cup of Nations and has reached the quarter-finals, has severely impacted their attacking prowess, resulting in their loss in the final. With Osimhen unlikely to return anytime soon, Napoli's struggles are set to continue.

In the last four encounters between these two teams, the home side has always lost. In their first meeting this season, Lazio scored twice from their only two shots on target, securing a 2-1 victory. Given the close match in terms of strength and Lazio's clear physical advantage, they are likely to win 2-1 at home against Napoli.

Inter Milan's Short Preparation Time

Inter Milan's return from Saudi Arabia has left them with limited time to prepare for their upcoming match against Fiorentina. Despite their recent success, including winning the Italian Super Cup, the short turnaround time raises questions about their readiness. The physical toll of travel and the high-intensity match against Napoli could impact their performance.

The Nerazzurri have demonstrated resilience and depth in their squad, but the demands of Serie A require sustained excellence. Fiorentina, having had more time to recover and prepare, will look to exploit any signs of fatigue in Inter's ranks. The tactical acumen of Inzaghi will be crucial in navigating this challenge and maintaining their position at the top of the table.

Lazio's Strong Form and Ambition

Lazio's recent form has been impressive, with a string of victories that have put them within touching distance of the Champions League spots. Coach Sarri has managed to instill a sense of belief and cohesion in the squad, allowing them to perform consistently. The Super Cup defeat, while disappointing, is unlikely to derail their domestic campaign.

The absence of Osimhen from Napoli's lineup presents an opportunity for Lazio to capitalize on their opponent's weakened attack. With a well-organized defense and effective counter-attacking play, Lazio can exploit the gaps left by Napoli and secure a crucial win. Sarri's tactical expertise will be instrumental in executing a game plan that maximizes their strengths and targets Napoli's vulnerabilities.

Fiorentina's European Aspirations

Fiorentina's return to Italy after their Super Cup semi-final loss to Napoli has given them ample time to reset and focus on their Serie A objectives. A win against Inter Milan would not only boost their standings but also reignite their push for a Champions League spot. The team’s attacking duo, reminiscent of the Batistuta and Rui Costa era, has the potential to unlock even the most stubborn defenses.

The key for Fiorentina will be to leverage their physical advantage and exploit any fatigue in Inter's squad. Maintaining a high tempo and pressing aggressively could force mistakes and create scoring opportunities. A disciplined defensive performance will also be essential to contain Inter’s potent attack.

Napoli's Challenges Without Osimhen

Napoli's aspirations for domestic and European success have been dealt a blow with the absence of Victor Osimhen. The striker's contributions have been vital, and his absence has left a significant gap in Napoli's attacking options. The team must find alternative solutions to maintain their competitive edge.

Lazio’s well-drilled defense will pose a tough challenge, and Napoli must find creative ways to break through. The tactical battle between Sarri and Napoli’s coaching staff will be fascinating to watch, as both sides seek to outmaneuver each other and claim victory.

Conclusion

The 22nd round of Serie A presents intriguing matchups with significant implications for the standings. Inter Milan's short preparation time will be a test of their resilience and tactical flexibility, while Fiorentina aims to capitalize on their physical advantage. Lazio, buoyed by their recent form, will look to exploit Napoli’s weakened attack and continue their push for a top-four finish. The outcomes of these matches will play a crucial role in shaping the race for the Serie A title and the Champions League spots.