Inter's 0-0 draw with Samp, 15 points behind the top of the table, the statistics agency emphasized: in the past 10 years, Inter have only scored 25 shots in a single game, but failed to score three times, which is a dishonorable but not negligible record.
Although there are many shots, is it a big threat? After the game, reporters were illustrative in their response to Inzaghi Jr.'s question: "Odello [the Samp goalkeeper] barely made a few saves? The Inter coach responded awkwardly: "He saved Archerby's shot..."
It may seem like the 25 shots on goal statistic is bluffing, but in reality, the real threat is only a few times.
For example, Gosens' point grab.
For example, Çalhanoğlu's snatch.
For example, Carbonine Jr. made the ball, and Archerby's long-range shot was saved by the goalkeeper and hit the lintel.
In addition, most of the other shots are in vain, and the thunder is loud and the rain is small.
The few threatening attacks have mostly come from players with "more fighting spirit": Gosens (eager to improve playing time), Charhan (hoping to show off his special shirt to pray for his troubled country after scoring a goal), Carboni (hoping to take advantage of Correa's injury to really enter the first team plan), and Archerby (hoping to improve the chances of buying out and staying in the team). In addition, the lack of enough threat in the Inter team is partly because most players do not have the momentum to fight for victory, do not have the determination to "score 3 points at any cost", and do not have the consciousness that "a draw is a crime".
Therefore, Barrera frequently spread his hands, provoked Lukaku to get angry, and said the word basta (enough) many times, which became the cover of the media, in the end, because of the lack of performance.
There is no need to force a momentary emotion into "infighting". But it's a real signal that the players are distracted.
When Napoli won this round and temporarily led second-placed Inter by 16 points, many people pointed out that there is certainly a possibility that Spalletti will lose the chain and rekindle the suspense of the Serie A champion, but the chasers behind them lose confidence in catching up because of the excessive point difference, and the possibility of dropping the chain is greater.
The draw of Inter in this round gives corroboration.
In fact, this phenomenon is not new today.
Sensitive people have noticed that an important change in Inter's performance since 2023 is that the performance of the strong game has improved compared to the first half of the season. But this change is accompanied by the so-called "wave state ups and downs" - before and after winning some strong battles, vicious battles, and key battles, the team often has problems such as distraction, distraction, lack of resoluteness, and lack of momentum when playing some relatively unimportant games.
After winning the first game of the new year against Napoli, Inter played Monza, Parma and Verona in the next two weeks, and did not play much quality in the game, or dropped points, or played unnecessary extra time, or won stumbling.
For example, after winning the Super Cup, Inter lost to Empoli immediately.
In the previous two games, Inter beat Atalanta in the Cup and won the Milan derby in the league, which performed well. Subsequently, this round Inter played another "listless" match.
To use an inappropriate analogy: it's like holding back a big move for the "big scene" and being in the skill CD period when the "small scene" is in the "small scene".
Compared with the Conte period, it can be said that Inter has quietly transformed from a "league-fighting team" to a "cup-fighting team".
There are many reasons for this transformation.
The biggest reason is the aging of the squad, whether it is the physical distribution of a single game or the strategic choice of a long season, the veterans are "having to save a period after a wave of output", and cannot maintain high intensity all the time.
Financial status is also a key reason. The economic base determines the superstructure, and now Inter are in financial difficulties and urgently need to increase their revenue, and strive to save up for the "most valuable" match, which is in line with the team's demands. Whether it's the Super Cup worth millions or the Champions League knockout round worth eight-figure euros, of course, it's more expensive than the league.
The player's mind also has an impact. Today's Serie A is no less focused than the Premier League in the past, and for players who are eager to increase the popularity of the market, and then use it to improve their treatment, or even transfer to the chaebol, they know that the "gold-plated" of one big scene may be more effective than the excellent performance of multiple league games.
There are also coaching style reasons, Inzaghi Jr. has been holding the halo of "cup coach" since his debut, and many people in Italy jokingly said that the "Italian Super Cup" should be renamed "Inzaghi Jr. Cup".
For various reasons, Inter have undergone some changes, so there is the current phenomenon of "gods and ghosts".
This is also a stopgap measure for Inter to change their way of living in order to survive in difficult times.
In view of this, the "anger" that failed to score 3 points can be pressed first. Stay until the end of the month, see what kind of "big moves" the team can use this CD period to hold back in the Champions League knockout round, and then evaluate it is not too late.