Inter-Lazio, a decidedly one-sided match and without ever a narrative.
To comment this semi-final is almost superfluous given what we saw on the pitch. Inter demonstrated a superiority in form and conviction compared to Lazio which allowed them to take a far higher number of shots on goal than the Biancocelesti. Land signs were already clear from the first minutes. Lazio was lost in width and with the departments frayed, granting very wide passing lines to the Milanese.
The Nerazzurri midfield dominated the Lazio one, often moving to the limits of the penalty area defended by Provedel and forcing the rearguard to drop dangerously, thus allowing Barella and co to reach the conclusion. The theme has always been the same: stretching of Lazio’s central defenders and lack of coverage of the midfielders. This meant that Lazio was unable to defend or even attack. Immobile, in fact, he often remained isolated, not receiving playable balls because the two offensive wingers were never able to dribble past the man and also remained isolated.
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man of the match: Inzaghi. He has built a joyous war machine. Inter are close-knit, in full control of themselves and aware of their means. Lautaro-Thuram, with the complicity of Dimarco, Barella, Darmian and Çalhanoğlu, play practically from memory without any opponent’s screening currently being able to worry them. The only chance for the opponents is for them to sabotage themselves. Otherwise it will be difficult to stop this team, at least as seen so far.
It was known at Sarri that the defeat was taken into account. Too many injured men and still little fluidity of maneuver in a team that is only now finding affinity. No alarm bells or defeatism, on the contrary. We must continue to grow and refine ourselves, even in bitter defeats like these. Lazio must also grow in these situations because it is precisely here that a real growth path passes. The environment must remain calm and focused on the real objective which is the ranking valid for the next edition of the Champions League.
Inter will face Napoli on Monday. As mentioned, compared to exactly one year ago, everything is completely reversed. Napoli is struggling and is not the stone-grinder made by Spalletti but could, with the quality of its individual players – something that Lazio lacked – annoy and worry Inzaghi’s men. We know, however, that the coach from Piacenza rarely fails in a straight final. It will be an exciting match, in the hope that the Arab public will know and appreciate the best that Italian football offers today.