Inter’s Perfect League Start Marred by Injury Woes
FC Internazionale Milano has enjoyed a stellar start to their Serie A campaign, boasting a perfect 100% win record after four rounds, accumulating 12 points. This impressive run includes a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory against Udinese, where they overturned a two-goal deficit for the second consecutive league match [1]. Goals from Carlos Augusto, Nicolò Barella, Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Ange-Yoan Bonny secured the win [2]. Coach Cristian Chivu’s side has shown significant attacking prowess, scoring 13 goals in the league so far. However, their strong league form contrasts with a recent Champions League defeat, a 2-1 loss away to Real Madrid in their first European test of the season [3].
Despite their domestic success, Inter is grappling with a growing injury list. Midfield lynchpin Hakan Calhanoglu is officially out for the upcoming match against AS Roma due to a muscle strain in his right thigh, with his availability for future games remaining unclear [4]. Defender John Stones, who made his first start for Inter against Udinese, limped off with an apparent hamstring injury and is expected to miss the Roma clash, likely returning after the international break [5]. Djed Spence also remains sidelined with an injury, still awaiting his first appearance in the matchday squad [6]. On a positive note, Federico Dimarco, who was previously doubtful, made his return off the bench against Udinese and is now fit [6].
Goalkeeper Concerns and Squad Dynamics
The injury crisis extends beyond outfield players, with significant concerns arising over the form of starting goalkeeper Josep Martinez. Martinez has made high-profile errors in his last two matches, including a defensive error leading to a goal against Real Madrid [3]. These mistakes have led to speculation that Ivan Provedel, signed during the summer transfer window to provide cover and competition, may be considered for the starting role [3]. The decision on who will start in goal against Roma will be a critical one for Coach Chivu, who used a midfield three of Nicolo Barella, Piotr Zielinski, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan against Udinese in Calhanoglu’s absence [7].
In terms of squad dynamics, Inter is actively working to secure the futures of key players. The club is in contract extension discussions with both Federico Dimarco and Hakan Calhanoglu, with both players reportedly keen to stay [8]. Meanwhile, there are rumors that Piero Ausilio, a long-serving figure at Inter, is set to leave the club, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested in his services [9]. Dario Baccin has already been promoted to the role of director of sport at Inter [10]. On the field, players like Andy Diouf have found themselves adapting to new roles, with Diouf playing as a wing-back despite preferring a central midfield position [11].
Upcoming Challenges and Supercoppa Plans
Inter’s next major challenge is a highly anticipated Serie A clash against AS Roma. Both teams have maintained perfect 100% win records in the league, setting up a top-of-the-table encounter [7]. This match will be a significant test of Inter’s depth, particularly given the absence of key players like Calhanoglu and Stones. The team’s ability to cope with these injuries and maintain their winning streak will be crucial in their pursuit of the Serie A title.
Looking further ahead, Inter will also participate in the Supercoppa Italiana. The match against Lazio is scheduled for December 21-23, though the venue is yet to be decided. The United States, particularly the East Coast, is a strong possibility for hosting the event, with San Siro remaining a fallback option. A final decision on the location is expected before the end of September [12]. This fixture adds another layer to Inter’s busy schedule, highlighting the demands on the squad throughout the season.
What it means
Inter Milan sits in second place in Serie A with a perfect 12 points from four matches, having scored 13 goals and conceded 6. Their recent form shows four wins and one loss across all competitions, with impressive league victories including a 5-3 win against Udinese and a 3-2 win against Napoli. The upcoming Serie A fixture against Roma, who also boast a perfect league record, will be a significant test of Inter’s title credentials, especially with key players sidelined. The site’s forecast for this crucial match will be locked 24 hours before kick-off.
Sources
- Football Italia: Chivu welcomes Inter intensity and 5-3 Serie A victory, but ‘nobody’s perfect’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Serie A | Inter 5-3 Udinese: Spectacular comeback in eight-goal thriller football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Inter have Martinez concerns after back-to-back Real Madrid and Udinese errors football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Official injury update on Calhanoglu as Inter star set to miss Roma clash football-italia.net ↩
- The Guardian: European football: Inter roar back to beat Udinese 5-3 and join Roma at top theguardian.com ↩
- Football Italia: Stones worry for Inter after injury during first start football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Calhanoglu at risk of missing Roma clash after being ruled out of Inter 5-3 Udinese football-italia.net ↩
- BBC Sport: Madueke a target for Euro loans - Tuesday's gossip bbc.co.uk ↩
- Football Italia: Football Italia Show: Inter, Roma & Como keep running, why Ausilio could save Tottenham football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Baccin: ‘Inter discussing new contracts, Dimarco and Calhanoglu happy with us’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Diouf: ‘I don’t feel like a wing-back, my goal is to return to the Inter midfield’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Supercoppa Italiana between USA and San Siro as Inter and Lazio await decision football-italia.net ↩
