Inter Club Focus: Icardi continues to shine

Date: 27th February 2014 at 1:43pm
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Internazionale dropped yet more points at home to Cagliari in round 25 of Serie A, losing out to the relegation threatened side at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The Nerazzurri went behind early in the first half to a Mauricio Pinilla penalty, after the referee penalised Juan Jesus for handball. The Chilean forward calmly stepped up to convert past Samir Handanovic and extend his impressive run of scoring against Inter in recent fixtures between the two sides.

The home team had to wait until the second half before they found an equalizer through Portuguese centre-back, Rolando, who volleyed in a Mauro Icardi cross to rescue a disappointing draw.

This was Inter’s tenth draw of the season and their sixth at home in the league. Walter Mazzarri’s charges have failed to beat several sides below them in the table including, Catania, Cagliari, Chievo, Parma, Sampdoria. Add in the defeats against Juventus and Roma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and Inter have now dropped 16 points at home; if they’d gathered those points they would clear of Napoli in third place and Champion’s League qualification.

This was another notable game for the half-time introduction of Mauro Icardi for Diego Milito as Mazzarri noted the elderly Argentine was struggling to get to grips with the Sardinian defence and a change was needed. It was a moment which has perhaps come as a signalling of a changing of the guard for Inter. Milito has struggled to find his way back to form since returning from his most recent injury woes and although Mazzarri appears desperate to give him every opportunity to prove his worth, one cannot deny that time is catching up with Il Principe.

Icardi represents the future of the Beneamata and his recent super-sub performances prove that once he regains full match fitness he must be restored to the team’s starting 11 in place of Milito. Icardi offers a more physical threat to the opposition and a reference point to the attack; it would free up Rodrigo Palacio to operate in his natural position and the side would look more balanced.

Icardi’s influence against Cagliari was unquestionable. Within minutes of coming on he disrupted the opposition backline and blasted over a shot, having combined with Fredy Guarin to create a goal scoring chance.

Nagatomo - Inter

In the 51st minute Yuto Nagatomo crossed to find Icardi in the box, knocking down the ball into the path of Rolando who smartly volleyed in from close range.

But the young Argentine was not yet done as he stole a march on Vlada Avramov in the dying minutes to edge a headed effort onto the crossbar, but no-one was able to follow up and get the rebound.

As Inter plan for their future this summer, it is important to note that their owner and club president, Erick Thohir, was in the stands observing this fixture. He cannot have failed to notice Icardi’s influence upon proceedings and wonder why Mazzarri hasn’t handed the Argentine a fair crack in the line up, when fit, up until now?

It is understood that Thohir is in Milan to continue his reorganisation of the club and agreeing potential transfer targets with club directors and Mazzarri. Top of the priorities is thought to be a new no.9, however, if Icardi’s form continues to develop on an upward trajectory, will it be necessary? Could the club look to invest in other areas such as defence which surely look weaker than up front? There’s plenty of food for thought over the coming weeks and months.

A boost for fans of the Nerazzurri will be the news that Fredy Guarin is close to agreeing a new contract, having almost departed the club in January for bitter rivals Juventus.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia the player said he is confident a deal can be reached.

“The president knows about the player I am,” he said. “We have talked about a contract renewal and we will do it soon.

“If Thohir offered me a contract for life with Inter right now, would I think about it? No, I wouldn’t need to think for a moment.”

This news provides a timely boost for Inter as Mazzarri’s team travel to take on second placed Roma in the capital in round 26 of Serie A, in what is sure to be a tough encounter. The Inter coach could welcome back the Brazilian, Hernanes, for the fixture though.

Follow Ryan Ross on Twitter: @rross11

 

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