Inter Milan’s form is falling, first season in danger before clash with Barca
Inter Milan’s dream season is now turning into a nightmare. Before the Champions League semi-final, the team’s form has fallen so much that it seems as if their whole season is at stake. After the massive win against Bayern Munich, it seemed that Inter was on the way to the treble, but now the situation is such that they have lost their last 3 matches without scoring a goal.
Last week they lost 3-0 against AC Milan and after that Rome also defeated them 1-0. This defeat was not just another match but also their hopes of winning the Italian Cup ended. Napoli are now three points ahead of them in Serie A with just four matches left.
Coach Simone Inzaghi also believes that the team is tired both mentally and physically. “We created a lot of chances but we did not achieve anything from them, we lacked sharpness,” he said after the defeat against Roma on Sunday. “Maybe a positive result would have given us energy, but now we will have to find it ourselves.
The San Siro stadium, which once resounded with the voices of fans, has now turned into a cold and lifeless atmosphere. The enthusiasm that was there against Bayern is now missing. Lautaro Martinez, who emerged as Inter’s hero in the Champions League, also now looks tired and frustrated. His alternatives in Marcus Thuram haven’t done much, and Thuram’s injury has caused further damage to the team.
Lautaro has scored 7 goals in 5 Champions League matches this year, in which he scored in both the home and away matches against Bayern. But their performance in Serie A has declined, and the whole team’s confidence is shaken.
The problems do not end here for Inter. Their match against Roma was delayed by a day because of Pope Francis’ funeral, which means they now have one day less rest before their match against Barca. France defender Benjamin Pavard is also battling an ankle injury, so team selection will be more tough for Inzaghi.
On the other hand, Barcelona are on a high. They won the Copa del Rey by beating Real Madrid and their players have no shortage of confidence. Wing-back Carlos Augusto said, “We are not afraid. Getting a chance to win something in April is the best thing.”
Memories of the 2009-10 season are also fresh when Mourinho’s Inter team beat Barca in the semi-finals and then won the treble. Even then, Roma was chasing them in the title race, just as Napoli is doing today. Ironically, the coach of that Roma team was Claudio Ranieri, during whose tenure Inter last lost three matches without scoring a goal – just as is happening now.
Inter will have to bring out the same energy, the same passion and the same fighting spirit once again if they want to win anything this season. The clash with Barca is a do or die moment for them – either the team will rise again, or this season will become a bad dream for them.
Now the question is: will Inter Milan be able to hold themselves together in this difficult time?