Inter’s Test Of Development Against Juventus

Inter’s Test Of Development Against Juventus
10:15, 07 Dec 2017

“We have to show we’re a strong group. Leaders don’t need to scream and shout on the pitch, you have to motivate by your example. “Joao Miranda at Christmas Cheers event in Milan

Joao Miranda was speaking after Inter had just gone top of Serie A, they had just thrashed Chievo 5-0 in a near perfect performance and confidence was high. Their Brazilian center back was quick to quash this exuberance because he was fully aware that, whilst the Nerazzurri had come on leaps and bounds under Luciano Spalletti, there was a huge test around the corner, Juventus.  The Derby D’Italia would be the real test of how far this team has come and whether they can handle the pressure of a race for the Scudetto.

It cannot be stressed enough how far Inter have come since the arrival of Spalletti. The goal was always the Champions League but as Christmas beckons, the Nerazzurri coach is almost able to bring the gift of an unbeaten first half of the campaign, they also sit top of the tree. Almost that is, Juventus are on the horizon and will not want to give up their crown in any hurry, just ask Napoli who were disposed of with some severity by ‘The Old Lady’.  Even so they will have to be wary of the Pazza Milanese, as with a strong defensive ethic and the brilliance of Mauro Icardi, they are threatening to impose themselves on Serie A.

There is no denying that the lack of European Football has helped Inter with recovery time and tactical preparation but if you are to win the Scudetto you need strength in depth (ironically the Nerazzurri have that). What’s more you need to turn up in big games and they have, taking the scalps for Fiorentina, Roma, Milan, drawing with the ever-impressive Napoli. Mauro Icardi’s 16 goals in 15 games has been crucial in this run, as has the fact that Spalletti has used the same eleven as much as he has been able to but against Chievo they reached a new level.

The Flying Donkey’s are not easy to break down and beat on any day, there gritty resistance is often met with an ability to score goals but Inter’s 5-0 battering of then in San Siro told a story. The development of the team came in the fact that the coach, was able to, and so did, impose some changes in the starting eleven and they stepped up with performances that showed he is getting the best from the squad. Ivan Perisic’s hat-trick was also an indication that someone else as well as Icardi is taking responsibility for the goals. This is something that was badly needed and showed that the team can be more expansive when it needs to be.

Whether Spalletti decides to be as expansive away at Juventus is doubtful but Inter will be confident that they can go there and win despite not winning at the Juventus Stadium since 2012. They will have to break this pattern if they are to be considered serious title contenders and to keep their unbeaten run going here, would have a massive psychological blow on the chasing pack. Whether Inter also have the mental strength to lead from the front will also have a big effect on them, as whilst they have arguably been more pragmatic and ruthless than Juventus this season, they are up against serial title winners who have often strolled to the Scudetto in second gear.  The win against Napoli signalled that, the Bianconeri are not dead yet and when it comes to the crunch then they are seasoned in getting the job done. The battle of minds and approach will certainly be one of the highlights of this game and ultimately could have a large impact in deciding who will start 2018 in pole position, a win for Inter could also have a profound effect on Napoli’s mind set also.

Joao Miranda was right, the motivation needs to be channelled in the right way and expectation put to one side. The Nerazzurri have the template to win and the players to do so in big games but the Derby D’Italia is a different test. This is about mindset, whether they can eventually be taken seriously and also a test of how far this project has come. Inter don’t need to worry though, they are already ahead of schedule.

Inter Take On Juventus In Serie A On Saturday 9th December (Kick-Off 7.45pm) - Follow the match via our live match centre.

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