Italian Journalist Fabio Caressa: ‘Inter Milan Not Struggling Vs Smaller Teams Like Last Season’ | OneFootball

Italian journalist Fabio Caressa feels Inter Milan have taken a big step forwards in how they deal with “smaller” teams in Serie A this season.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, Caressa noted the Nerazzurri’s early form against teams lower down in the table.

Last season, Inter’s persistent dropping of points in matches that were winnable on paper was a major problem.

The Nerazzurri lost matches against the likes of Udinese, Empoli, Spezia, and Monza. Then, there were draws against the likes of Sampdoria and Salernitana, which felt a lot more like losses.

Naturally, some bad results in head-to-head matches against direct rivals also damaged Inter’s Serie A title hopes.

But in truth, the Nerazzurri’s form in those kinds of matches was far from bad.

It was the surprise results that really prevented Inter from going on any kind of strong run of form. Seemingly every single time the Nerazzurri started to gain momentum in the league, another unexpected setback would bring it to a grinding halt.

Caressa: Inter Milan Finally Showing Consistency Vs “Smaller” Teams

This season Inter have gotten statement wins against Fiorentina and AC Milan.

And those victories, each by a four-goal margin, have certainly been key in the Nerazzurri’s early form. They have announced themselves as Serie A title favourites.

But just as important as those kinds of results – maybe even more so – is consistency from week to week.

Therefore, the businesslike way in which Inter have dispatched Monza, Cagliari, and Empoli has been key.

The Nerazzurri had taken just one point against the Brianzoli last season. Meanwhile, Empoli had gotten a shock win at the San Siro last time around.

Caressa said that “In my view, this season Inter are winning matches with only the effort necessary to win them.”

He went on that “The team has become aware of what they’re capable of thanks to the Champions League final.”

“Not just being in the final, but how they played in it,” the journalist said.

“The players are now aware of their quality,” Caressa suggested. “The team manages to shape matches in their own image.”

Caressa remarked that “The season will be very long. But I don’t see them struggling against smaller teams like they did last season.”

“They’re finding ways to unlock matches,” he said.