Former player and coach Giuseppe Incocciati recently shared his analysis of the Inter-Milan match and other significant football topics during his appearance on TMW Radio`s “Maracanà” program.
Evaluating the recent Inter-Milan derby, Incocciati deemed Milan`s victory well-deserved, attributing it not merely to the scoreline but to their strategic execution throughout the match. He noted that while Milan`s approach seemed cautious initially, they never lost their resolve and progressively became more decisive and effective in their play. In contrast, Incocciati observed a notable lack of organization within the Inter squad, suggesting that their attempts to push too hard might be causing them to lose their tactical balance. This tactical imbalance, he commented, was evident in the game. He also pointed out that Lautaro Martinez`s effectiveness appears diminished when he is not partnered by Marcus Thuram. Overall, Incocciati suggested that a contributing factor to Inter`s recent form could be psycho-physical fatigue stemming from their particularly demanding schedule.
Addressing the question of whether a season without winning any major trophies would be considered a failure for Inter, Incocciati gave a firm affirmative. He stated unequivocally that, given the substantial potential of the team, failing to clinch either the Serie A title or the Champions League would undoubtedly constitute a failure. He believes the club is currently in a precarious position and risks a significant setback. While acknowledging Inter as inherently a winning side, he stressed that they must now demonstrate their capability to manage games with greater prudence and humility.
When asked about the areas where Inter should concentrate their resources, Incocciati specifically highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. He emphasized that defenders becoming complacent (“sleeping”) within the penalty area and failing to track their markers, particularly when fatigued, inevitably leads to conceding avoidable goals. He cited instances where this issue occurred in their matches against Bologna and in the recent derby, specifically questioning the defensive positioning of Stefan de Vrij during the goal scored by Luka Jovic.
Finally, commenting on Napoli`s Scudetto aspirations, Incocciati expressed his belief that the Napoli players have always held confidence in their ability to win the league, and this belief has only grown stronger recently. However, he offered a word of caution, advising them against falling into the trap of assuming they have already secured the championship and urging them to maintain their focus.