Inter Club Focus: New faces impress but Nerazzurri still lack cutting edge

Date: 26th August 2015 at 8:02pm
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It’s been a busy week for the Inter fans, following the departure of prized midfielder Mateo Kovacic to Real Madrid.

kovacic

Much was made of the transfer which was for somewhere in the region of €35 million, and who coach Roberto Mancini would bring in to replace the Croatian.

As for the game at the weekend against Atalanta, it was clear to see that the Nerazzurri were missing that attacking impetus and drive that the 21-year-old brought into the team with his mazy dribbles.

But, despite Inter’s unattractive performance, it was new signing Stevan Jovetic that came up with the goods to win the game 1-0 with his fantastic curling strike in injury time.

Roberto Mancini Inter

Although Inter won the game, it is obvious that something else needs bringing in to the team. With La Dea not even registering a shot on target, the game was there to be won but the home side lacked any fast-paced, penetrative football with a lack of clear-cut chances created.

It may just be a case of time for the players to gel with each other, with three of the new signings slotting in the spine of the starting line-up on Sunday evening.

A promising sign for Inter fans will also be the new partnership in defence between Miranda and Jeison Murillo. In recent seasons, defensive frailties have been a hallmark of Inter’s team but Mancini may have changed that with these two acquisitions.

Miranda - Inter

Miranda, who has bags of experience following his spell with Atletico Madrid looked very steady and seemed to have a good understanding with Colombian Murillo, who won young defender award at the Copa America in the summer.

They seemed to sweep up anything at the back and the away side didn’t manage to create many chances with Samir Handanovic not having a save to make.

With the defence seemingly looking fine, (apart from a full-back maybe) it is the midfield that needs addressing despite bringing in Kondogbia for €30m.

The Milanese club have been linked with numerous players over the past weeks with the most notable being Ivan Perisic, who has been courted for some time by the Nerazzurri and they are unwilling to give up.

The Wolfsburg ace could be the creative spark that is needed to improve the fluidity on the pitch.

Despite being linked with the winger for some time, it has been reported recently that Inter have struck a deal with former Roma forward Erik Lamela.

If Mancini can get his team playing with a faster pace and with a more exciting style, they will be much more entertaining to watch and could be at the top end of the table towards the end of the season.

At the end of the day though it is the results that matter and they did manage to claim the three points without playing great, a sign of a good team.

With all the new players also showing their worth, it will be interesting to see how they gel with the others as they look forward to the game on Sunday against Carpi.

 

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