Inter heads into the derby against Milan with confidence, while Chivu still has some problems to solve. Some wins are worth more than others, especially when they come after a difficult match in which not everything works as it should. Inter experienced this in the away game against Venezia, where, amid difficulties and dangerous moments, they managed to take three crucial points in the race for the season’s objectives.
The team led by Cristian Chivu did not play a convincing match for more than an hour, facing difficulties in defence and midfield. The opponent created dangerous chances, while Inter also had some luck on their side, as two Venezia goals were disallowed for offside in episodes where the margins were minimal.
Nevertheless, in football, the ability to win when the game does not go according to plan also matters. Inter managed to leave with three points, which could prove decisive at the end of the season.
With 25 points from the first nine matchweeks, Inter are moving at an impressive pace. According to the statistics cited in the analysis by Italian media, the club had reached the same number of points only once before at this stage of the championship, in the 2017-2018 season, when Luciano Spalletti was coach.
However, that squad did not manage to maintain the same rhythm until the end of the race. For Chivu, these figures are a positive sign, although the performance against Venezia showed that Inter still have room for improvement. The Nerazzurri go into the derby against Milan with a seven-point advantage over their red-and-black rivals, according to the championship overview described in the analysis.
At the same time, Lazio are having a strong season and are keeping up a pace that makes them one of the surprises of the championship. Despite the win, Inter had clear problems at the back. The defence was put under pressure several times by the opponent’s vertical passes and the speed of Akor Adams, giving Venezia opportunities to threaten the Inter goal.
In midfield, Sucic failed to show his potential, while Zielinski struggled in the role of interior midfielder. Stankovic also failed to leave the desired mark, even though he played in front of his father’s eyes. Chivu decided to replace him at half-time, showing that he is still not fully convinced of his contribution at this moment.
These are issues the coach must analyse before the upcoming matches, especially before a particularly important challenge such as the derby against Milan.
One of the positive points remains Marcus Thuram. The French striker continues to make a difference even when opponents mark him tightly and do not leave him much room to operate.
His strength and initiative in attack are important elements for Inter, especially while awaiting the return of Lautaro Martinez. According to the analysis, Chivu made the right choice by not giving Thuram a rest, as his contribution was decisive in unlocking the match.
Carlos Augusto also received positive reviews, as he responded on the pitch despite physical fatigue.