Inter Milan has been on a remarkable run, defeating Atalanta with two goals and extending their unbeaten record against the "true black and blues" for several years. They have made it to the Italian Super Cup final in a strong fashion. The team has set new records for league goals, maintained a stable position in the direct qualification zone of the Champions League, avoided significant injuries, and fostered a harmonious atmosphere in the locker room. Their recent victory over the league leaders has brought them closer to the Italian Super Cup, a performance that deserves recognition.
Since the appointment of coach Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan has been making steady progress, setting small goals each year. They have established a unique playing style based on three key strategies, gradually replacing their nearly half-century-long pragmatic DNA with a new image that combines dominance and entertainment value.
In an era where Serie A tactics are becoming more "Westernized" and business models increasingly resemble those of the Portuguese league, teams often lose star players and undergo frequent squad changes. This makes the head coach's ability to integrate resources and make tactical insights even more crucial. Conte once attempted to implement an attacking style and pressing game but quickly succumbed to the pressures of reality. Inzaghi, during his tenure at Lazio, learned to be frugal and incorporated modern Spanish elements into traditional Italian football, meeting the club's outward-looking development strategy and adapting to the evolving times.
Since the treble-winning season, Inter Milan's league goal tally had long hovered around 60 goals. Despite the return of legendary coach Mancini, the team failed to reverse the trend and even set a new low with 50 goals in the 2015/16 season. Under Conte, the team shone with back-to-back seasons of over 80 league goals. Inzaghi faced the challenge of losing key players (Lukaku and Hakimi) upon taking charge and had to maintain the team's depth through free transfers and accumulated transfer tokens. He managed to sustain the team's offensive output, demonstrating his coaching prowess.
In the 2021/22 season, Inter scored 84 goals in 38 league matches, leading the scoring charts by seven goals over second-placed Lazio. The following season, they further extended their lead with an impressive 13-goal advantage (89 goals). In the latter half of the 2022/23 season, with their focus on the Champions League knockout stages, they finished the league with 71 goals, only six fewer than the exceptional Napoli. Facing an unprecedentedly dense schedule this season, Inter Milan's offensive efficiency has not diminished; they have scored 45 goals in 17 league games, totaling 92 goals for the year, truly embodying an attacking football style.
Despite lacking superstars who can solve problems independently and lacking explosive players on the front line and wings, Inter Milan does not appear to be a team capable of unleashing an offensive storm. However, Inzaghi has masterfully manipulated the tactical cube, using three seasons to build a team that can control the rhythm with precise passing combinations, segment the game into different periods, and maintain vitality through deep rotation. His achievements have made people realize that Herrera and Mourinho are no longer insurmountable benchmarks, and Inter Milan's DNA is undergoing a surprising transformation.
As Serie A gradually declines, visionary reformers continue to emerge in the Italian coaching scene. Juventus once dominated Serie A under Allegri's diamond midfield and "five-star formation," showcasing breathtaking attacking football. Unfortunately, they always fell short in the Champions League. Inzaghi faces a similar challenge, needing both personal effort and alignment with the times to reach the summit. After last season's setbacks, Inter Milan has matured. With Manchester City and Real Madrid experiencing turmoil, and Liverpool and Atletico Madrid focusing on the league stage, Inzaghi and his team have an opportunity to create history.