Inter extended their Serie A winning streak to seven games with a comfortable 3-0 win over Pescara on Saturday before dropping a 2-1 decision to Lazio in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia three days later.
We saw the Nerazzurri at their very best on Saturday as they jumped on Pescara from the opening whistle and effectively ended the match in the first half with goals from Danilo D’Ambrosio and Joao Mario. Eder came off the bench to add a third in the second half and it looked as if Inter could do no wrong.
However, the Inter express hit a speed bump against Lazio as the backline reverted to its pre-Pioli form allowing the Biancocelesti to take a 2-0 lead after Cristian Ansaldi was caught ball watching and Miranda conceded a penalty and was sent off in the process.
Inter fought back valiantly and clawed a goal back after Marcelo Brozovic directed a header over Federico Marchetti’s reach to set up a grandstand finish, but the Nerazzurri couldn’t find the equalizer and crashed out of the cup competition.
Inter suffered their first defeat since a 3-0 setback to Napoli on Dec. 2, but Pioli will likely be pleased with his side’s effort after going a man down in the 54th minute, and hopes that fighting spirit shines through against Juventus on Sunday.
Here’s what we learned from Inter in the last week:
Eder can be the Nerazzurri’s super sub
The Italian international has carved out a niche for himself as a lightning bolt off the bench for Inter. Eder has scored two goals in his last three Serie A games after entering the fray in the second half and gives Pioli another weapon to wield at the opposition.
Eder’s tremendous work rate and movement off the ball causes all sorts of problems for the opposing teams and opens up space for his fellow strikers, which can tilt the balance of a game in Inter’s favour, as evidenced in the last three weeks.
Eder seems to have embraced his new role and his team-first attitude is a refreshing break from the ‘me first’ approach that dominates modern football.
“When Pioli arrived he told us that we must help one another,” Eder said, according to Premium Sports. “If the team does well then the individual does well.”
Defensive warts exposed in Coppa Italia
Inter had kept two consecutive clean sheets, including a tidy display against Pescara, before the wheels came off against Lazio. The Nerazzurri were very fortunate to only concede only two goals, as the capital city club was guilty of wasting numerous chances.
Ansaldi was torn apart by Felipe Anderson on the wing prompting the British announcer on Sky Sports to exclaim: “where is he? He’s a ghost, he’s nowhere to be found.” The Argentine fullback is a huge liability and is a glaring weak spot that opponents will test every chance they get.
Miranda had a shocker against Lazio as well as he gave the ball away on numerous occasions and was one step behind Ciro Immobile, Anderson and Senad Lucic all night long. The Brazilian effectively killed any hopes of a comeback when he conceded the penalty and was given his marching orders.
I can’t help but shudder at the thought of facing Juve’s new four-pronged attack with the state of our defense at the current moment.
Gagliardini already an integral part of the squad
The 22-year-old midfielder once again turned heads with his classy display against Pescara. His cross to pick out Miranda at the far post in the 13th minute was a thing of beauty as was his ability to dictate the pace of play.
Gagliardini’s absence against Lazio was definitely felt as the Nerazzurri came out second best too often in midfield and the talented youngster has already solidified himself as one of the key cogs in the Inter machine.
“I know what I’m capable of and I knew what I could bring to the team,” Gagliardini told reporters. “Being able to play immediately made me integrate faster and I’m happy and hope I can continue like this.”
Joao Mario is the straw that stirs the drink in midfield
The Portuguese international has made an instant impact after his 45 million move from Sporting in the summer. The 24-year-old was everywhere against Pescara and his low drive which forced Albano Bizzarri to parry out for a corner led to D’Ambrosio’s opener, before getting into the act himself by tapping home a cross from Ivan Perisic for Inter’s second goal.
Joao Mario has been a steady, calming presence in midfield and his presence against Lazio in the first half was missed although he didn’t perform to his usual standards as a substitute in the second session, but that was very much an exception to the rule this season.
If Joao Mario can improve his finishing and produce some power in his shot then 45 million will seem like a discount for the European Championship winner.
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