Of
Pietro Serina
Inter’s superiority, up until mid-match the Nerazzurri suffered and defended poorly. Perhaps Palladino could have done more, if he makes the most of it the next matches against Roma and Bologna will be less complicated
Fate truly knows incredible (and tortuous) ways to mete out justice. The other evening he chose two emblems of Atalanta life that are poles apart from each other – Djimsiti, symbol of application and sacrifice, and Samardzicembodiment of talent imprisoned by inconstancy – to determine the success of Inter, who had richly deserved it on the pitch. The mistakes of the two – Djimsiti “gave” Inter the ball to make it 1-0, Samardzic missed a goal at the end of the match that was more difficult to miss than to score – will remain in the minds of the Nerazzurri people for a long time.
But from Atalanta-Inter 0-1 it would be much more correct to remember the performance of the Milanese, in the first half close to excellence. Absolute domination, there was no match. Then, it’s true, In the second half Atalanta did better: she came out of her shell, no longer limiting herself to suffering and showing the character that was needed. The final data, however, document Inter’s superiority, who finished ahead in everything. AND Atalanta didn’t make any shots on target of the opponent’s goal: zero, none. It hasn’t happened for over three years (23 October 2022, Atalanta-Lazio 0-2), and this should be enough to accept the defeat with serenity. It is not against Inter seen the other night that Atalanta must score points: so far only Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League had created so many difficulties for the Nerazzurri. So honor to Inter. With the obligation, however, to analyze the performance of the Nerazzurri, starting from the initial choices.
The game plan – Palladino then explained – started from choice to play lower than usual so as not to give way to Inter’s counterattacks and play the same game yourself. However, the coach’s decision was not supported by an adequate attitude on the field. Atalanta defended poorly, it suffered for a long time also because it was poorly positioned on a tactical level, and until halfway through the match it seemed like the sacrificial victim. Thanks to the opponents, of course. But perhaps Palladino could have done more. For example, he could have switched to a back four, because the 3-4-1-2 with Pasalic as an attacking midfielder on Calhanoglu (but wasn’t Musah more suitable, considering his characteristics and the moment?) did indeed lead to numerical superiority in defence, but then in the development of the game it left Kolasinac (as against Genoa) as an extra man, and his art is not construction.
Then Palladino chose this path in the finaleto look for an equalizer: 4-2-3-1 with CDK, Samardzic and Sulemana behind Scamacca. But why not start with the same formation and with CDK, Musah and Zalewski behind the striker? You’ve never had a shot on goal anyway. This also applies to Scamacca’s bad eveningwhich did not offer an adequate contribution. Of course, it is true that due to his characteristics he is not suited to playing on the counterattacks (but if you choose this route, for once you can also keep him out), but it is legitimate to expect a different approach. Of course, you didn’t lose to the form, Scamacca or Pasalic. And not even for the errors of Djimsiti and Samardzic. You lost because you deserved to lose against a stronger Inter. Point. However, if these details are treasured for the future, the next two races will already be in progress Rome and Bologna they will be less complicated. We will see.
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December 30, 2025
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