Inter's Defensive Woes: A Persistent Challenge

A week after the break, it's time to process the intense first month: thrilling matches, a feeling of solidified strength, and the unexpected departure of Piero Ausilio, a topic for another time. The focus is on a team with clear potential, well-rehearsed game mechanics, and a performance that ignites when Inter senses danger.

Chivu's team thrives; they consistently turn matches in their favor by simply increasing intensity and pressure, regardless of the opponent. Diouf is offensively impressive, and Lautaro and Thuram make a significant difference. While some believed Pio was the true starter, Thuram's current level—his advances, dribbling, goal threat, and chemistry with Lautaro—is superior. This is no slight to Pio; Thuram is a champion, and Pio is becoming one in his own right.

However, it's rare for any team globally to concede two goals in four consecutive matches and come back to equalize three times out of four. It's as if the players, at the start of halves, like against Napoli, show no sensitivity to pain or danger, failing to grasp the game's emotional weight.

Across four games, players have taken turns committing concentration and positioning errors. From Martinez's indecisiveness with his feet, to Akanji appearing distracted, Stones looking slow, and Jones being too passive against Kone; from Zielinski’s lack of defensive positioning during transitions, to Diouf’s evident discomfort defending, as seen in the two goals conceded at the Olimpico where he simply watched crosses instead of covering.

Building from the back isn't a universal goalkeeper skill, yet Inter relies heavily on it. Martinez lacks the footwork and vision of Sommer. Even Onana, while excelling in this aspect, made glaring errors in judgment.

The overall impression is a widespread lack of concentration, something the players themselves may not fully realize. During matches, the team seems unaware of this general inattention. This is compounded by a midfield and attack that shield the play less than before, forcing the defense to confront opponents in open space.

If Inter had taken a two-goal lead against Napoli and Roma, they likely would have eased off, assuming control, and then conceded comebacks, a pattern seen in previous years. This tendency has shifted but cannot be entirely eliminated, as evidenced by the outcomes of numerous matches in recent seasons.

The issue is more pressing for the Champions League than for the league, where Inter remains the strongest.

Against higher-caliber opponents, even struggling ones like Real Madrid, such lapses are far more costly than in Italy. Distraction is lethal.

The urgency is clear because Inter is competing on multiple fronts and aims to win them all. Chivu understands the need for potentially radical solutions to maintain internal balance. This is currently the biggest challenge, and Spence might offer a tactical alternative.