Inter Milan has conceded eight out of their 16 goals this season in the final ten minutes of matches—a worrying statistic that coach Simone Inzaghi must address. While their positions in Serie A and the Champions League standings seem reassuring, this vulnerability could have far-reaching consequences. When added to the missed chances by Roma, Napoli, and Venezia during stoppage time, it’s clear that Inter is walking a thin line between stability and a potentially alarming league position.
The Nerazzurri often struggle to close out games, allowing opponents too much freedom in the final moments. Teams like Genoa, Monza, Milan, Juventus, and Bayer Leverkusen have taken advantage, while Udinese, Torino, and Parma narrowly missed out due to Inter’s two-goal cushions.
Last season, Inter’s defense was not only stingy in terms of goals allowed but also minimized opponents’ scoring opportunities. However, cracks in the defensive and midfield lines have been evident since pre-season. Four months into the campaign, Inzaghi has yet to find a solution to this recurring problem.
For now, Inter hasn’t paid a heavy price. They are in a strong position to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals and could potentially tie Atalanta for first place in Serie A if they beat Fiorentina. However, underestimating this glaring weakness would be a mistake.
Priorities Misaligned?
Inter’s approach to the recent Bayer Leverkusen match suggests their focus was more on Lazio than the Champions League. With upcoming fixtures against Sparta Prague and Monaco, perhaps the team felt they could afford a slip. Post-match interviews with Inzaghi and the players revealed a surprising calmness, with no signs of frustration typically seen after conceding a last-minute goal.
This was the first time Inter failed to register a shot on target in a match this season. Adding to their woes, the team had to stay overnight in Leverkusen due to a plane malfunction—a setback seemingly more frustrating than the defeat itself.
Napoli’s Woes: Losing First Place and Kvaratskhelia
Napoli’s weekend loss was a double blow. Not only did they relinquish the top spot in Serie A, but they also lost Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to a knee injury. The Georgian winger suffered ligament strain after several heavy challenges from Adam Marušić, with medical advice ruling him out until the end of the year.
Although the injury is minor, doctors recommended rest to avoid aggravating the issue. Napoli coach Antonio Conte will now have to navigate games against Udinese, Genoa, and Venezia without his star winger, who has scored five goals this season despite a dip in form.
Conte faces two tactical options: replacing Kvaratskhelia with Neres while maintaining the current system or adjusting the formation to include a second striker or an attacking midfielder closer to Lukaku.
PSG Eyes Napoli’s Osimhen
Meanwhile, speculation in Naples suggests PSG may offer €75 million to Napoli to terminate Victor Osimhen’s loan from Galatasaray.
Déjà Vu with Matías Soulé
In Rome, Matías Soulé is drawing comparisons to one of the club’s infamous transfer flops, Juan Iturbe. Despite an impressive half-season with Frosinone, some fans and pundits are wary of Soulé replicating Iturbe’s struggles at Roma.
Soulé was initially seen as a key part of Daniele De Rossi’s plan for a 4-3-3 formation, especially with Paulo Dybala rumored to leave for Saudi Arabia. However, Dybala stayed, and the two players are unlikely to coexist in the same lineup.
Interestingly, Dybala is also caught in a contract dilemma. To trigger an automatic extension until 2026 with a salary nearing €9 million, he must play at least 45 minutes in nine more matches. If Roma progresses in the Coppa Italia or Europa League, the required games would increase to 16—a potential conflict of interest for the Argentine star.
The Balancing Act
As the season progresses, Inter’s defensive lapses, Napoli’s tactical adjustments without Kvaratskhelia, and Roma’s challenges with Soulé and Dybala will be critical narratives. How these teams address their respective issues will determine their success in the months ahead.