Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi has stressed the importance of continuity as his team sets its sights on both domestic and European success this season.
After clinching the Serie A title last year with a commanding 19-point lead, the Nerazzurri have had a solid start to the current campaign.
They currently sit in fourth place, just two points behind Napoli after six matches. However, as they prepare for their next Champions League fixture against Red Star Belgrade, Inzaghi knows that consistency will be key if Inter is to achieve their ambitions.
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Inzaghi, who guided Inter to the Champions League final in 2023, has experienced both the highs and lows of European competition.
Last season, Inter was knocked out in the round of 16, which was a bitter pill to swallow after coming so close to winning it all the previous year.
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Reflecting on those experiences, Inzaghi emphasized that continuity is vital, not just for Serie A success but for competing at the highest level in Europe.
“It’s difficult to win the title, and it’s even harder to win again,” Inzaghi told reporters. “The key for us this season is to rediscover the consistency we had last year. That’s what makes the difference, both in the league and in the Champions League.”
Inter Milan’s impressive Serie A campaign last year saw them dominate the competition, but their focus now shifts to balancing both domestic and European duties.
With the busy schedule that comes with playing in multiple competitions, Inzaghi knows that maintaining form and rhythm will be essential as the season progresses.
This season’s Champions League introduces a new league phase format, adding extra fixtures and increasing the complexity of the tournament. Inzaghi believes that getting into a rhythm early will be crucial for success in this more competitive structure.
“Last year, after the first two games, you had a sense of how the rest of the group stage would go,” Inzaghi explained. “This year, with the new format, it’s a bit different. Now it feels like everyone is playing against everyone, with no room for missteps. You can’t make predictions because each game could be decisive. Every match is almost like a one-off knockout game.”
This new format, which pits teams against a wider array of opponents in the group stages, puts more pressure on clubs like Inter to perform consistently. Inzaghi knows that his team must stay sharp and avoid complacency as they enter the thick of European competition.
With Inter set to face Red Star Belgrade, Inzaghi is weighing his options, particularly when it comes to his attacking lineup. The coach has several talented forwards to choose from, and rotation will be essential given the congested fixture schedule.
“I still need to decide between Lautaro [Martinez], Marcus [Thuram], Marko [Arnautovic], and Mehdi [Taremi],” Inzaghi revealed. “They all have a chance to play, but I haven’t made the final call yet. I’ll evaluate things after today’s training session.”
Inter’s depth in attack gives Inzaghi multiple tactical options. Lautaro Martinez, the club’s talismanic striker, is likely to feature heavily throughout the season, but the contributions of players like Marcus Thuram, who joined from Borussia Mönchengladbach, and veteran striker Marko Arnautovic will also be crucial in keeping the squad fresh.
While Inzaghi remains undecided on his forward line, he did confirm that midfielder Piotr Zielinski will be in the starting lineup against Red Star. The Polish international has yet to start a Serie A game this season, but Inzaghi has high hopes for him in this Champions League tie.
“Zielinski is a player who brings a lot of quality to the team,” Inzaghi said. “He will definitely start against Red Star, and I expect him to be influential in the game.”
Zielinski’s technical abilities and vision make him a key asset in midfield, particularly in European games where controlling possession and tempo can make all the difference. His inclusion could be pivotal in breaking down a well-organized Red Star side.
Respect for Red Star Belgrade
Despite Red Star’s loss to Benfica in their opening league phase game, Inzaghi is not underestimating the Serbian champions. Red Star, known for their physicality and tactical discipline, presents a challenge that Inter must navigate carefully.
“Red Star is a very well-prepared team,” Inzaghi warned. “They’ve been playing since July, and they’ve had nine league games and European qualifiers already. They have strong players, and we’ll need to be at our best to get the result.”
Inter will have home advantage at the San Siro, but Inzaghi is fully aware that nothing can be taken for granted in the Champions League. The team will need to stay focused and execute their game plan to ensure they continue their European campaign on the right foot.
As Inter looks to make a deep run in the Champions League this season, Inzaghi’s focus on continuity is crucial. Balancing the demands of Serie A and Europe requires not just tactical flexibility but also the mental strength to maintain form across all competitions.
With a deep squad and plenty of options, Inzaghi is confident that his team can rise to the challenge.
This season, Inter fans will be hoping to see their team go all the way in both the domestic league and Europe. With the experience gained from last season’s Champions League run, combined with Inzaghi’s leadership, the Nerazzurri are well-positioned to compete at the highest levels.
