Sassuolo’s victory over Inter surprised everyone because the black-green team was going through a period of crisis and confusion, evidenced by the clear defeats against Lecce and Fiorentina, and therefore it was not thought they could beat the Italian champions. And yet it happened and the result created a certain discontent in the teams fighting for survival. No official statement, but we know how these things work: a few jokes, a small outburst and the dissatisfaction comes to the surface. This year the race for salvation is even more exciting and uncertain than usual because numerous clubs are involved (today there are six fighting to avoid the other two places that condemn them to Serie B, a fate already sealed for Salernitana). And in a situation of balance an unexpected result can make the difference. It is quite normal, therefore, that surprise quickly gave way to anger. And out of curiosity: next day Inter will go to play in Frosinone and everyone will observe his attitude with great attention. Di Francesco’s team intimately hopes that the Italian champions are still in relaxation mode, all the others hope that Lautaro and his teammates will rediscover the malice and effectiveness displayed throughout the extraordinary season.
the doubt
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Thinking back to the match at Mapei Stadium, three things must be said. The first is that the atmosphere of the celebrations had influenced the Nerazzurri’s approach to the match, who were certainly exhausted. The second is that Inter played an absolutely decent first half, scoring a goal disallowed by Lautaro due to millimetric offside seen only at the VAR and creating two other good opportunities with Dumfries (inaccurate in front of Consigli) and Sanchez (right foot saved). The third is that the second half was disappointing, but also because there were many reservations on the pitch: a choice made by Inzaghi to eliminate the motivational gap with Sassuolo. But this is precisely the aspect that has most angered those fighting for salvation. From what filters through, the main reason for dissatisfaction arises from the inclusion of players who were little used and almost never decisive during the year, apart from Barella. According to the other clubs, if Thuram, Calhanoglu and Dimarco had also entered there would be no particular recriminations even if it cannot be said that Inter would have drawn or won. The goal of 100 points was certainly not enough to keep the plug attached. Mapei’s second half lacked the competitive fury that is expected on every occasion. The reality is probably that Inter have gotten used to everyone well (or badly…) and so their defeat is surprising especially if it comes from playing a match that is certainly not up to the standard of the Italian champion team. What matters now is that this beautiful sprint is played in a serene environment and with the awareness that, compared to a few years ago, what we have always admired about the Premier League is happening in Italy: there are no obvious matches, everyone takes it they play to the end, each with their own means and with the best formation at that moment according to the coach.
