In the undulating landscape of Serie A, where tactical prowess often dictates destiny, Inter Milan recently secured a crucial 2-0 away victory against a spirited Cagliari side. This triumph wasn`t merely another three points; it was a testament to Inter`s evolving squad depth and a spotlight moment for a burgeoning talent, Francesco Pio Esposito. As coach Cristian Chivu later remarked, the match held its share of tactical surprises, but it was the calm assertion of Inter`s principles, coupled with a surprising individual performance, that ultimately sealed the deal.
The Nerazzurri arrived in Sardinia with a clear objective: to balance strategic squad rotation with the imperative of breaking down a Cagliari team fresh off two consecutive Serie A wins. The plan materialized early, with the returning Lautaro Martinez quickly asserting his presence, heading in the opening goal after a recent recovery from back issues. This early lead, however, didn`t immediately translate into a comfortable stroll. While chances proliferated – Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan both rattled the woodwork, and David Frattesi was thwarted by a goal-line clearance – Inter`s inability to decisively `finish it off` inadvertently invigorated their opponents.
Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of missed opportunities, a new narrative began to unfold: the emergence of Francesco Pio Esposito. The young striker, a mere 20 years of age, found the back of the net, marking his first-ever Serie A goal. The significance of this moment wasn`t lost on Chivu, whose celebratory reaction on the touchline spoke volumes. “He is surprising me,” Chivu admitted, perhaps with a slight understatement, acknowledging Esposito’s quality, composure, and, crucially, his willingness to work for the team. It`s a delicate balance, nurturing such talent without hyperbole, ensuring “he’s got to keep his feet on the ground” despite the sudden spotlight. One might even suggest that this `surprise` performance was merely a logical outcome of dedicated training, though the coach`s genuine pleasure was palpable.
Cagliari, far from being disheartened, adapted their tactics and began to pose a different kind of threat. Chivu observed their strategic shifts, noting, “Cagliari surprised us a little with a change of tactics.” However, their most formidable weapon remained their physical stature. With what Chivu playfully described as “the tallest squad in Europe,” set-piece situations became a genuine concern. Michael Folorunsho`s header striking the upright served as a stark reminder of their aerial dominance. Inter, wise to this, had made conscious efforts to “add a few centimetres” to their own line-up, a pragmatic response that ultimately paid dividends in preserving their clean sheet – a defensive achievement as crucial as any goal.
Despite the squad rotation, Inter`s midfield engine room remained largely unchanged, with the seasoned trio of Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, and Nicolò Barella orchestrating play. Their experience and understanding, as Chivu highlighted, provide the team with a bedrock of quality, controlling space and offering vital defensive support. The coach, however, was quick to acknowledge the depth of his options, mentioning Zielinski, Diouf, Frattesi, and Sucic as “valid choices too.” This creates a “difficult” selection headache – the best kind of problem for any manager, where meritocracy and tactical fit guide decisions, ensuring constant internal competition and performance standards.
With the Serie A points secured, Inter`s gaze now firmly shifts to the continental stage. Having already dispatched Ajax with a commanding 2-0 away win, the Nerazzurri are set to host Slavia Prague at San Siro in their next Champions League encounter. The victory against Cagliari, characterized by tactical adaptability and the promising rise of a young striker, serves as a significant confidence booster. It underscores a team that, under Chivu`s guidance, appears well-equipped to navigate the demanding dual fronts of domestic and European competition.
