Inter have had a stellar start to the Serie A season, winning all four of their matches and only conceding one goal.
On Sunday they beat Chievo and although that was another win, the most positive outcomes must be the fact that the Nerazzurri kept another clean sheet (now three in total) and that their star striker Mauro Icardi was back on the scoresheet.
But, the key to any successful team is built on a solid defence, and, although early to say that Inter’s defence is solid, it can’t be denied that they have performed admirably.
With Gary Medel replacing the injured Miranda once again, it was the Chilean and the man we focused on last week – Jeison Murillo.
These two limited Chievo to having many chances and Medel also finished the game with an impressive 92% pass completion from 51 passes.
And Murillo also had a great game once again, and is looking more and more like the final piece in the jigsaw that is Inter’s defence but couldn’t finish the game due to injury and will miss the match against Hellas Verona on Wednesday night.
Perhaps what could have most surprising, and even pleasing for Nerazzurri fans is that even with Miranda injured, Roberto Mancini decided to go with Medel in the heart of his defence rather than club captain Andrea Ranocchia.
Always prone to an error, Ranocchia finds himself further down the pecking order with a midfielder being chosen in his position over him and a similar situation has occurred for Juan Jesus, who were their first choice centre backs for the majority of last season.
No-one can criticise Mancini’s decisions though, as they are obviously paying off. Conceding one goal in four matches is something that would be unheard of from an Inter side of the past few seasons.
The defence has been fantastic so far, and it’s hard to say that the midfield and attack have not done their bit too. Before the last two matches, it was Stevan Jovetic that had scored all three goals, as he looks like a vital signing.
Two more players that seem to be growing into their roles are Felipe Melo and Geoffrey Kondogbia. Both played well against Chievo on Sunday and provide the steel in the midfield that is needed, whilst the Frenchman also offers a bit of flair when on the ball.
And, with Icardi getting back amongst the goals it seems like a good time to be an Inter fan. The Milanese outfit have a good mix of players and the strength in depth is far more impressive than last season.
Their next game is at home to Verona on Wednesday evening and based on current form it should be five from five for the Nerazzurri, even if they do only win by one goal.
