Inter Podcast: January review

The official Inter podcast in English is back with Richard Hall and Thomas Lawrence as they look back over the January period in which the Nerazzurri did themselves proud. They discuss how the task wasn’t easy and how the squad showed its full strength in depth. Were there nervy moments? Of course, did Inter leave it late? Yes, more the once but after all this they go into the International break on top of the pack. The boys also look forward to a tough February schedule and as always answer questions from the readers.

Ascolta "Inter January Review" su Spreaker.

The SuperCoppa Italiana was won with the last kick of the game from Alexis, the defending in Bergamo was until the very end and the Coppa Italia against Empoli and the victory against Venezia all saw drama at the death.

Inter have scored six goals in the last 10 minutes of games this season in Serie A, whilst the Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa saw them win in extra time. The Scudetto winning season was the same, as from the opening day a trend emerged. Danilo D’Ambrosio against Fiorentina, Ivan Perisic against Parma, Lautaro versus Torino, D’Ambrosio and Lukaku against Cagliari, Lautaro again against the Granata and that free kick from the much missed Christian Eriksen against Milan in the Coppa. There were more than this but the list grows too long.

There have been studies as to why this phenomenon seems to happen and for Inter one could argue that this is due to a number of reasons. Both Conte and Inzaghi have taken pride in that their teams can counter attack. The robust defence that Inter has allows the team to sit back at time and absorb energy before unleashing a turn in play that can often catch a tired opposition off guard. The Nerazzurri’s strength in depth also has allowed Inzaghi to be able to make some calculated substitutes, safe in the knowledge that quality of the players he introduces will more than likely out-weigh the oppositions.

What must not be ignored (even with limited fan capacity), is the effect of playing at home. The crowds have an influence and especially in game where the result needs to be concluded that day. At the end of a game when players are fatigued this is a lift and it is not surprising that the Nerazzurri’s late winners have all come at home. The SuperCoppa especially, seemed to be a game where the Curva Nord sucked the ball into the net from the toe of the Chilean, this is a factor and the Milanese support is especially vocal giving the players a lift when fatigued.

What could have been a ‘horribilis mensis’ was instead triumphant march with the black and blue flag in the foreground. What comes next is an even bigger test however, and fatigue and motivation will have to be managed well for the task ahead. The Derby Della Madonnina is followed by welcoming Roma and Jose Mourinho back to San Siro in the Coppa. This is quickly followed by a trip to Naples to face another old friend in Luciano Spalletti. Finally, Liverpool will grace San Siro as the English will try and out press and out fight Inter in the Champions League and this will be an epic double header.

Whilst saying ‘Four games make a season’ is hyperbole, it also is true that it will go some way to shape the campaign. How do, or will Inter prioritise the competitions? Will the squad depth see it through and can Inter continue to fight until the bitter end? One thing is for sure, and that is the Official Inter Podcast in English will be with the team all the way through February and beyond to bring insight from the Nerazzurri perspective no matter what the results.

Don’t forget to send you questions in for the special ‘Derby Della Madonnina podcast to @Inter_en and @RichHall80

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/inter-january-review/id1524045522?i=1000549068633 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KTyhNwfyH3ubGw8bqR3sC

Castbox: https://castbox.fm/episode/Inter-January-Review-id3139694-id462470553?country=it

Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/user/12162444/podcast-eng-

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Inter-Podcast-ENG/dp/B08NW8F7R9