Internazionale endured a torrid away trip to Turin where they faced Juventus in round 22 of Serie A and were subsequently defeated 3-1 by the stunning Bianconeri. Goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal had granted Juventus a three goal lead, before Rolando pulled a late consolation goal back for the away side.
It was a miserable evening for Inter and continued their woeful run of form which saw them last win away from home against Udinese 3-0 on November 3, 2013.
Despite a late rally following Walter Mazzarri’s tactical changes, Inter struggled through the match. They looked sluggish in their approach and appeared daunted by Juventus’ midfield. The home side carved Inter open at ease, creating several scoring chances and Samir Handanovic was one of the Nerazzurri’s better players, making six saves to limit the score line.
Having gained a three goal advantage Juventus switched off and allowed Inter to come back into the game, where the introduction of Rubén Botta and Danilo D’Ambrosio helped to assert the Beneamata’s attacking approach. However, it was too little, too late and Mazzarri’s side were to leave the Juventus Arena with their tail tucked firmly between their legs.
When you compare the midfield options available to Mazzarri for selection, to that of Juventus, it is a clear sign of the stagnation and evident decline that has occurred at the Milanese club over the past three and a half seasons.
Inter’s starting midfield contained Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Saphir Taider, Ricky Alvarez and Mateo Kovacic, lacking a natural balance. Esteban Cambiasso’s presence was particularly missed as Juventus beat Inter to every ball.
Juventus’ midfield trio of Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Vidal is an embarrassment of riches compared to Inter’s paucity in the middle of the park. Nerazzurri fans must look on and wonder where it all went wrong for their side. Significant regeneration must be undertaken if Inter are to once more reach the dizzying heights that Juventus occupy at the top of Serie A.
Mazzarri’s tactical decisions prior to kick off seemed curious, particularly the continued selection of Kuzmanovic in central midfield, despite the absence of Cambiasso through injury. For several weeks the Serbian midfielder has struggled to justify his selection and he was completely outclassed by Pogba and co. only managing one successful tackle the entire match.
The introduction of Diego Milito for Kuzmanovic in the 55th minute failed to improve Inter’s attack at all. However, Mateo Kovacic’s withdrawal for Botta in the 66th minute made a large impact as the Argentine offered a direct approach with his dribbling and unnerved the Bianconeri defence.
Perhaps Inter’s most disappointing performer on the night was Rodrigo Palacio, as the Argentine striker had several chances to steal a result for his side, but failed to convert any of his efforts.
It was a tortuous experience seeing Palacio toiling upfront alone against Juventus’ back-three, but he was completely isolated and bereft of support. The rare chances he did create came from Inter’s counter-attacks, but he couldn’t capitalise.
Had Palacio managed to convert any of the three key chances he had, perhaps the 3-1 score line may have told a different tale. His first chance in the 40th minute was by far the most important, when Kovacic played the striker through on goal only for Palacio to fire over the cross bar. It was an awful miss and had Inter tied the score at 1-1 before half-time, we could be looking at a different result.
Following the defeat, the Nerazzurri are turning their attention towards rebuilding for the future. Following recent failings in the January mercato the club’s sporting director Marco Branca is reported to be set to have his contract terminated as club president Erick Thohir establishes his stamp upon Inter.
Although Branca was heavily praised for bringing the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto’o and Lucio to Inter in 2009 as the club went on to win the treble, he has made a number of high profile signings which have disappointed at the club and it appears Thohir wants to establish a new approach.
It is yet to been seen who Thohir will look to fill Branca’s role with, but could wait until the end of the season before replacing the outgoing director.
Meanwhile reports have emerged that Inter have opened talks with Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic over agreeing the player’s signature on a pre-contract agreement, which could see the Serbian’s arrival at the club on a free transfer this summer.
It is understood that the club see Vidic as someone with a wealth of experience who could boost Inter’s defensive resilience and the player’s wage demands would be within a new wage structure that Thohir wishes to apply to Inter’s finances.
Follow Ryan Ross on Twitter: @rross11
