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Inter Milan Season Review – Injuries Not An Excuse!
When Massimo Moratti announced that Andrea Stramaccioni would continue on as the manager of Internazionale on a permanent basis for the 2012/2013 season, no one could blame the Inter faithful for feeling optimistic. The young manager had a successful spell with Inter’s Primavera the season prior, leading them to the NextGen Series title with impressive displays. But, it was his form since taking over first team affairs from Claudio Ranieri in March 2012 that had the Inter fans in high spirits, winning the Derby della Madonnina and finishing in 6th place in the league, despite a dreadful campaign with the departed manager. The opportunity was earned, and after a summer of movement in personnel both in and out of the club, spirits were high at the San Siro, with no one challenging the view that Inter could be a team to look out for in Serie A’s upcoming season.
The personnel changes which took place in the summer were necessary, not just for Inter. Juventus had won the Scudetto the previous season without losing a single game; someone had to topple the Turin giants. Money was spent, with Rodrigo Palacio moving from Genoa for €10.5 million, and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic signing from Udinese for €11 million. More cash was spent when Alvaro Pereira joined from FC Porto in a €10 million deal, and Fredy Guarin’s move made permanent, so ambition was evident for the Nerazzurri leading up to the opening matches. Adding in deals for Antonio Cassano, Matias Silvestre and Gaby Mudingayi, along with disposing of some “dead wood”, also help set up a promising Serie A campaign.
Cue the start of the Serie A season, and the 7th October derby match with neighbours Milan. No one has to guess the importance of these fixtures; the fans eagerly anticipate them, the TV channels build them up weeks in advance and the players know exactly what a win, or defeat, can do for morale. All eyes were on Cassano after he made the switch from Milan to Inter in the summer, but it was a Walter Samuel goal after 3 minutes that gave Inter the lead. Robinho, Bojan and Riccardo Montolivo all tried to level for the Rossoneri, but failed and after 90 minutes, Inter’s desperate defending paid off as they came away with a 1-0 win, making it 9 wins in the first 11 matches in the league. But, perhaps more importantly for the fans, the result left their city rivals flagging in the bottom half of the league. A promising league start and Lombardy bragging rights secured.
This promising start continued with 4 more wins in both league and Europa League. Then came Juventus at The Juventus Stadium; a fortress for the Old Lady, who were on a remarkable 49 game unbeaten run in the league. In the build-up, Juventus were hot favourites as a result of their current run, managing to dig out results when needed and an ability to simply not get beat. Andrea Pirlo was commanding matches, Arturo Vidal was shining and the back four looked shatterproof. Despite Juve taking an early lead through Vidal, Inter outlined their Scudetto credentials by coming back to secure a 3-1 win and end the impressive 49 unbeaten run by Juventus. It was an eye-catching result which once again gave the Nerazzurri cause for celebration and great hope for the remainder of the season.
Building on these impressive results was imperative, and consistency would be required to push on towards the second half of the season. But a bad run of results would arise, with only 2 wins in the next 6 matches in all competitions. An important 1-0 win over impressive Napoli at the start of December would be a minor lift, as this was followed by sporadic results both at home and away, with Inter ending 2012 with a 1-1 home draw with Genoa. January’s transfer window looked key to Inter’s second half of the season.
January 2013’s window saw Tommaso Rocchi and Juan Pablo Carrizo arrive from Lazio, as well as Atalanta’s impressive Ezequiel Schelotto. Former Fiorentina player Kuzmanovic also joined from Stuttgart and Mateo Kovacic joined from Dinamo Zagreb; all this was a clear indication that Stramaccioni believed his Inter side were not too far away from the required form to get consistency and results. The decision to offload Wesley Sneijder was also a clear indication of Strama’s desire to get the correct blend of players in the dressing room at the San Siro, with growing reports that the departing Dutchman was becoming detrimental to the morale of the Nerazzuri. Season 2012/2013, part two was about to begin, with no one quite knowing if this Inter side were actually capable of finishing the season in the Champion’s League spots.
Results continued along the same, unpredictable path in 2013, with January seeing only 2 wins in the 6 fixtures, including a Coppa Italia Semi-final first leg defeat to Roma, who would eventually go on to take the tie and march on to the final. January ended with a 2-2 home draw with Torino in the league, and mutterings of discontent could be heard around the San Siro. This would not be helped with an embarrassing 3-1 defeat away to bottom side Siena at the start of February, meaning Inter had failed to win on the road since November; a worrying stat for a side that started the season with such promise. February also included a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, underlining Inter’s fragility in defence.
By March, Inter were still in the battle for third place, despite some frankly awful results and performances. They also had reached the third round of the Europa League, drawing Tottenham Hotspur, so all was not lost for the season. The matches against Spurs would go a long way to actually determining how good this Inter side were, as the Serie A campaign had its ups and downs. Spurs, driven by the outstanding Gareth Bale, were chasing Champions League spots in the Premier League, so it would be a fascinating encounter at White Hart Lane for the first leg. Not many would have predicted the 3-0 victory to Tottenham, especially in the convincing fashion it happened, but for many it was the lacklustre performance from Inter that caught the attention; no invention, no flair and worryingly, no fight. The return leg, for many Inter fans, was a mere formality; get it out the way and concentrate on the league campaign. However, Stramaccioni’s men totally outclassed Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs, and won the match 4-1; of course, being eliminated with the away goal scored by Emmanuel Adebayor in extra time. It seemed harsh in Inter, but this result over two legs just underlined the type of season it had been so far.
As well as the Europa League elimination in March, Inter’s league form continued once again down a troubled path with two home defeats to Bologna and Juventus. A win over Catania away was the only league points picked up in March, and worrying home results were to continue into April. Although a 2-0 away win at Sampdoria looked impressive, this was followed up with a 4-3 home defeat to Atalanta, then a 2-0 away defeat to Cagliari. Goals were being leaked, and not many scored, and Palacio was being relied upon too much; one of the only players who would end the season with any credit, perhaps along with Fredy Guarin. Any chance of silverware was put to rest as AS Roma completed the task started in January with a 3-2 win in the second leg of the Coppa Italia, and in the last game of April, a dogged Palermo managed a 1-0 to take them out of the relegation zone. This dealt Inter’s chances of European football in 2013-2014 a huge blow as they lay seventh in Serie A, and with Napoli to visit the next week.
The Napoli game became a must win after the devastating Palermo result. Seventh place was not nearly good enough, and the prospect of a season with no European football was lingering. An Edinson Cavani hat-trick took his tally to 33 for the season, and Inter slumped to a 3-1 defeat. To say the season fizzled out would be an understatement, with another 3-1 defeat next for Inter, this time at home to Lazio, followed by a drab 0-0 affair at Genoa. The last match of the season ended with a humiliating 5-2 home defeat to Udinese, giving them the final automatic Europa League spot and dooming the Nerrazuri to ninth place-their worst league position since 1994. Nothing more than a dismal end to a dismal season.
The season started with great hopes for a young manager who was building a new team, but the stats cannot lie. With Inter winning only 16 times, and losing 16 times, all with a goal difference of -2, it is the worst end to a season since in nearly 20 years. The forwards did not do enough, despite the efforts of Palacio, and for large spells were not all available through injuries. The defence was abysmal all season, littered with individual errors and bad decisions. Although the number of injuries was abnormally high throughout the season, it does not account for a ninth placed finish; there were more underlying issues in terms of the performances and tactics, as the home form towards the end of the season indicates. As a result, another manager casualty as Strama parted company with the club, making way for former Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri, who guided Napoli to second spot in Serie A. A talented manager, for sure, but it seems he will have a great task on his hands to make these Italian giants, giant once more.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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