For the future, the Nerazzurri will need not only technical quality but also more heart. A role model? Look at Fognini…
Inter`s Club World Cup campaign ended disastrously in the round of 16, marred by internal strife and mutual accusations. Lautaro, Calhanoglu, Marotta, Mrs. Calha, and the `poisonous likes` from Arnautovic, Thuram, and even Mrs. Inzaghi — the situation resembled chaotic wedding brawls where even guests get involved. Despite this, the ill-fated American expedition wasn`t entirely in vain: the 33 million euros in revenue are a financial boost, but more importantly, the Club World Cup highlighted two crucial paths for Inter`s reconstruction, already indicated by their league performance: one technical, the other temperamental.
Horizontal Ball Possession
Against Fluminense, Lautaro only came alive after the introduction of Sucic and Valentin Carboni, when he finally had technical quality and vertical thinking behind him. The Croatian had already set up the Argentine`s goal against Urawa and provided a fine assist for Pio Esposito against River. The first half was a definitive funeral for the old playing philosophy, which failed due to a lack of speed, movement, and shooting opportunities. As often seen this season, the Nerazzurri`s play, which on good days relied on frantic rotations and runs into space, devolved into a sad horizontal passing game, far from the opponent`s goal. Everyone seemed like professors with the ball under their foot, gesticulating and dictating movements into spaces that no one actually occupied. It was a slow waltz from a Romagna dance hall at closing time, when the orchestra just wants to go home.
The Need for Technical Prowess
To change their tune, Inter needs a generous injection of individual technical skill, particularly in midfield where PSG fields three number 10s. They need talented youngsters like Sucic, capable of beating opponents, creating numerical superiority, and inspiring between the lines – the renowned `can openers` that distinguish top teams, which Inter has overlooked in recent times. Luis Henrique possesses these qualities, but has yet to demonstrate them. Some new developments in this regard have already arrived, offering the most comforting aspect of the World Cup, but the transfer market should further pursue this direction, especially considering that Calhanoglu`s quality seems destined for another club.
Ethical and Motivational Deficiencies
Furthermore, it is crucial to seek out players with fierce, infectious hunger and motivation, weeding out those who lack it. The goal conceded after just 3 minutes is too similar to many `pyjama starts` to matches and too many late collapses due to lapses in concentration. Inter lost everything this year due to this `ethical deficiency`: the inability to field their best version of themselves for 90 minutes, something they regularly achieved in the year of their second star. Social media crucified Darmian and De Vrij in particular, but from the bored expression with which the former hurricane Thuram dragged himself around, it was clear he wished he were anywhere else in the world but there.
The Future of ThuLa
After Thuram`s `like` on Calhanoglu`s post against Lautaro, what remains of “ThuLa”? Can the two halves still form a single planet? The captain`s heated words demand a reckoning that the management must address immediately, choosing which `rotten apples` to remove from the basket and providing Chivu with the players he requested: those willing to `eat grass.` In Charlotte, except for Barella, not a single one was seen. Everyone just poked the ball with the tip of their spoon and then recoiled with expressions of disgust, while the modest Fluminense players fought compactly like lions for every second, third, and fourth ball.
Lessons from Al Hilal and Fognini
And what about Simone Inzaghi`s players? On Marcos Leonardo`s first goal, there were 5 Al Hilal players in City`s penalty area; on the last, Marcos Leonardo himself devoured Ederson`s rebound with a fierce hunger, unknown to their opponents. The `Demon` has already instilled spirit, order, and awareness in his new team and, after doing so this year at Inter (against Barcelona), he has etched a legendary 4-3 victory into the Arab club`s history. The Camping World Stadium in Orlando felt like the Azteca in Mexico City. Too hot in Charlotte? Too tired for Inter players? Everyone at the Club World Cup suffers from the heat, everyone is tired, starting with PSG, who reached the end of all competitions. Too old for the Nerazzurri? Fabio Fognini is 38, five years older than De Vrij. He`s a deep Inter fan, he was present in Monaco for the Champions League final. On Monday, the same day Inter `melted down,` Fognini pushed Alcaraz, world number 2 and 16 years his junior, to a fifth set, with a marvelous display of technique and ethics. What his body couldn`t give, he drew directly from his soul, willing to `eat grass` and `that other thing too.` He is the ideal model for the Inter that Chivu envisions: more technique, more heart.
