Internazionale lost 1-0 to their neighbourhood rivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina in round 36 of Serie A, in a disappointing performance which allowed Torino to close the gap to the Nerazzurri in fifth place to only two points.
It was an emotionally charged fixture between the two sides as they lined up in the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with Javier Zanetti on Inter’s bench knowing that if he were to appear this would be his last ever chance to play in a Milanese derby. Likewise Zanetti’s fellow Argentineans Walter Samuel and Diego Milito were set to make their final appearances in the derby marking the end of an era and a changing of the guard.
It is difficult to describe the size of the task the club faces this summer when trying to replace the experience and knowhow of Zanetti and co. They have been at the club for what seems like an eternity and shone during what has unquestionably been one of its most glorious periods. In the dressing room they act as leaders, setting an example for all to follow. They are the first to welcome new signings to the club and help them settle in. They are all a class act.
Of course former Inter player Clarence Seedorf was in charge of the Rossoneri in the opposition dugout, a factor which would come to have severe consequences for Inter as he tactically out mastered Inter coach Walter Mazzarri.
Mazzarri has been derided for his negative tactics following the result, with his defensive mentality clearly shown in his desire to play for a 0-0 draw. What fans witnessed were a Nerazzurri side who were prepared to sit back and absorb pressure against an inferior team, which allowed Milan to gain confidence and build attacks. Of course this should come as no surprise as Mazzarri has played like this throughout the season and will not change.
The fact that the Rossoneri have been woeful this season and are largely bereft of confidence should have encouraged Mazzarri to put the pressure on the opposition. A more positive game plan was called for and Inter required all three points due to results elsewhere which had not gone in their favour. Inter possessed the players capable of opening up Milan’s defence in Kovacic and Hernanes with clever through balls, or even relying upon Yuto Nagatomo’s inconsistent wide play from the flanks. Alas no, it wasn’t to be.
Although Mazzarri fielded his now familiar line up of a back three, with five midfielders and two strikers, the formation ended up split into a 3-5-2, with the wing-backs pulling in narrow to help crowd midfield. Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio were left completely isolated upfront and in the first half they were rarely sighted in the Milan penalty box.
Intelligently Seedorf opted to field a 4-3-1-2 formation to counter Inter, rather than the previous 4-4-2 which they’d played away to Roma, deploying Adel Taarabt behind Kaka and Mario Balotelli. This move led to Taarabt isolating Inter’s connection between midfield and attack as they were harassed and harried. Milan also gained an outlet as they took the game to Inter as we saw through quick transitions, see Kaka’s spectacular shot which hit off the cross bar.
Mazzarri was unable to respond to Seedorf’s tactics and was left looking clueless. The players and fans turned to the coach seeking answers and none came forth. After going a goal down thanks to a Nigel De Jong header in the 65th minute from a corner, Mazzarri opted to withdraw Cambiasso and throw on the more attacking option of Fredy Guarin.
It was a gamble which made Mazzarri look desperate and weak. He had sought to play for a 0-0 with his negative tactics and now the best he could do was withdraw his only defensive midfielder on the pitch in the hope that the erratic Guarin could spark some life into his limp side.
Unfortunately for Mazzarri even Guarin with his famous reputation for dramatic long range efforts which soar high into orbit could not muster life into the Nerazzurri. When you look at the stats Inter finished the match with seven shots in total, but not a single one on target; pathetic.
This is a result which should call into question Mazzarri’s future as coach of Inter even further as the end of the season draws ever closer. Does the club president Erick Thohir want a coach who is prepared to sit back and defend for a 0-0 in arguably the team’s biggest fixture of the season? Does Thohir want a coach who is at odds with president’s desire to develop young players? Mazzarri doesn’t fit the bill.
Now Inter face a home match against Edy Reja’s Lazio in round 37 knowing that nothing but a win will do. With Torino and Parma hovering over their shoulders Mazzarri will be under even greater pressure to deliver, good luck to him. At least he may give Zanetti a final run out this time.
Follow Ryan Ross on Twitter: @rross11
