Richard Dean
Updated on: October 15, 2024 3:19 am GMT
Inter Milan is grappling with their worst start to a Serie A season under coach Simone Inzaghi, earning just eight points from their first five matches. This tension is heightened after their recent loss to AC Milan, breaking a six-match winning streak against their city rivals. As they prepare to face Udinese, Inzaghi is making several changes to his lineup, indicating that competition for spots is fierce despite recent performance issues.
Inzaghi’s Approach: No Established Starting XI
Simone Inzaghi has made it clear that in his squad, “hierarchies don’t exist.” This statement highlights his intent to rotate players regularly and keep everyone on their toes. According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, fans have questioned some of his lineup choices, but Inzaghi plans to continue his strategy in the upcoming match against Udinese.
Injuries Impacting the Lineup
With the injury of Nicolò Barella, key adjustments are necessary. Here are some confirmed changes:
- Davide Frattesi is set to start in place of Barella.
- Piotr Zielinski is expected to replace Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the midfield.
- Hakan Calhanoglu will retain his position.
This rotation indicates that Inzaghi is determined to find the best mix of players despite recent difficulties.
Defensive Adjustments Ahead
Inzaghi is also making adjustments in the defensive line. Reports suggest that Yann Bisseck will come in for Benjamin Pavard, aiming to strengthen the back three. Bisseck’s prior performance against Manchester City showcased his potential, unlike Pavard, who has struggled lately. The confirmed backline will include:
- Yann Sommer in goal
- Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni in defense
On the right side, Matteo Darmian is anticipated to reclaim his starting role over Denzel Dumfries. Meanwhile, Federico Dimarco is expected to maintain his position on the left flank.
Striker Scenario: Lautaro Martinez Takes the Lead
Despite earlier predictions of a shift in the forward line, current reports favor Lautaro Martinez to lead the attack alongside Marcus Thuram. This duo could be pivotal for Inter’s strategy against Udinese as they aim to recover from their recent setback.
Upcoming Matches and Challenges
After the clash against Udinese, the Nerazzurri face a busy week with three significant matches:
- On October 1, they will host FK Crvena Zvezda in the UEFA Champions League.
- On October 5, they are set to play Torino in another Serie A match.
These games crucially impact Inter’s momentum going into an international break, making the match against Udinese more critical.
Looking Ahead
As Inter Milan heads into this Serie A match against Udinese, the pressure is on to turn their season around. With both tactical rotations and a challenging schedule, the players must showcase their resilience and adaptability. Inzaghi’s philosophy of no established hierarchies signals that each player has a chance to step up, especially in light of earlier performances.
The game on Saturday is going to be exciting! Inter is not just playing for points; they really want to build their confidence for future matches. Fans are looking forward to seeing if Lautaro Martinez will play well and if the new team can win important games coming up.
