More positives than negatives for Inter despite Liverpool defeat

Inter suffered a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, but Richard Hall reckons there are more positives than negatives for the Nerazzurri after last night’s European fixture.

Suffering seemed to be the word on the lips of many after the Champions League tie between Inter and Liverpool. The away side suffered for just over 70 minutes, but the Nerazzurri eventually felt the pain. The score-line may have been a little flattering for the Reds as the Milanese put in a convincing performance against one of the European giants. There were more positives than negatives at San Siro last night and now Inter have to dust themselves, re-group and go again.

Perhaps the most significant positive for Inter were the fans. Despite the stadium not being allowed to be full, the atmosphere was electric and befitting of a tie of this magnitude. The Curva Nord could be heard all the way through the game, the performance on the pitch seemed to be motivated by this and, in turn, the stadium responded. As European nights go, San Siro is still one (if not) the best when it comes to atmosphere.

Tactically, Simone Inzaghi seemed to get a lot right. Due to Nicolo Barella’s absence, he had to change the game plan, so he targeted Liverpool’s right flank early on. Defensively, Inter looked strong for most of the game and the positive displays from Milan Skriniar, Ivan Perisic, Hakan Calhanoglu and maybe more surprisingly, Arturo Vidal, made the team look like they could do something in the game and at get at least a draw. The Nerazzurri coped with Liverpool’s pressing and energy and Inzaghi’s men even started the second half coming out of the blocks much quicker than the English.

The coach will use the fact that they matched up to Liverpool for motivation domestically. One has to think that if they play the two legged semi-final of the Coppa Italia in the same manner, then they would make Milan suffer physically. However, Inter’s pace was perhaps even more surprising and impressive. They had come through a nightmare month and a half after facing Lazio, Atalanta, Venezia, Milan, Roma and Napoli whilst being pushed into extra time twice by Juventus and Empoli. Although few in black and blue will admit it, going out of the Champions League would help them domestically as they can focus on the league and the Coppa semi-finals with Milan.

Play well, dominate and collapse: Inter, it’s always the same story

There were negatives, however, and all was not rosy. How can it be when you lose 2-0? Perhaps the negative that many will see as a recurring theme is that Inter play well but are not clinical enough. In elite games like this (as was proven), you must make the most of every little chance. It sounds obvious, but Liverpool showed Inzaghi’s men how it is done and the early strike from Lautaro or the Hakan chance that hit the bar are goal-scoring opportunities that need to be converted. Inter will be punished again if they continue to miss similar chances.

Lautaro seems to be coming under increased pressure of whether he can be clinical or consistent, especially in the Champions League. While he could argue that the entire Inter squad was disappointing during the past European campaign, he cannot say that this year, given that the team has played with pace and given him opportunities. If Inter cannot be clinical, then it means they can never switch off at the back. They have one of the best defences in Europe, but they are not faultless, even Milan Skriniar.

The Serie A champions are still developing and they showed that last night. They have some way to go and they have come a long way under Inzaghi this term. They have to simply learn from this defeat and look to next season to see what can be done on the training field and in the transfer window to raise the bar further, trying to close the gap with European giants like Liverpool.

@RichHall80