Our look at Europe's top underachieving clubs leads us to Italy, where two of Serie A's giants are flailing low down in the bottom half of the table. While Inter fans will be delighted with AC Milan's slow start to the season, they will be more concerned with their own demise having racked up just 4 points from their opening 5 matches.
Last year's runners-up hired Gian Piero Gasperini from Genoa to replace the departing Leonardo, employing a manager famed for his daring formation in playing 3 at the back. The tactic, and his reluctance to desert it, proved to be the Italian's downfall in the eyes of Inter owner Massimo Moratti, sacking the new boss after just 5 competitive matches in charge, losing 4 and drawing once – becoming the first Nerazzurri manager never to win a competitive game.
The chairman's proposed solution to steadying the ship at the San Siro came in the shape of former Chelsea and Roma boss Claudio Ranieri, with 'the tinkerman' ironically brought in to decide upon a settled formation and line-up. Immediately stating that he would play his best players, including Wesley Sneijder in particular, in their best positions, Ranieri has not had the luxury so far with the Dutchman out injured, and the side have been somewhat unconvincing in his absence.
Dropped Points from Last Season
When looking at the fixtures Inter have played this season, 3 of the 5 stand-out as tough encounters for any side, though their record last season against said teams was exemplary compared to the failings from this campaign. They faced Palermo on the opening day this term and were eventually beaten 4-3 away from home in a tough match they managed to win 2-1 last year.
Next up were a Roma side going through more changes than an unfamiliar looking Inter system following some eye-catching summer signings, and the two sides played out a perhaps unsurprisingly uninspiring 0-0 draw as they looked to get used to their new tactics and personnel. Interestingly the tie last season saw Inter run out 5-3 winners in an enthralling encounter that led to, then Roma manager, Ranieri getting the sack.
The result a week later would see Ranieri make his return to management for the side that eventually cost him his job last season after Gasperini, who kept faith in his 3 at the back set-up, led his side to a humiliating 3-1 defeat at the hands of promoted Novara.
The axe was wielded and the ex-Chelsea boss took charge of his first game at Inter away to Bologna, having an immediate effect on results at least, with a 3-1 win - Inter's first and only league victory to date and an improvement on the draw obtained last term. The brief high was backed up by a 3-2 away win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League but the sinking feeling soon returned. A crushing 3-0 defeat at home to Napoli followed, bringing Inter and Ranieri back down to earth with a bump, having toppled the Azzurri 3-1 under Leonardo in the fixture last season.
Performance Analysis vs Napoli
Inter’s most recent defeat was somewhat of a humbling one at the hands of Napoli, though Ranieri's side were far from helped by the naivety of youngster Joel Obi. Picking up a booking just 10 minutes into the match, the Nigerian received his marching orders, conceding a penalty in the process, and all before half time with the game tied at 0-0.
Although Marek Hamsik subsequently missed the spot kick, Napoli opened the scoring just moments later and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the second half. Inter's 10-men could hold just 41% of the possession despite their home advantage, firing off a meagre 10 shots with just 2 on target as they fired their second blank of the season.
Impressive in pass accuracy with 87%, Inter were forced to attempt to contain the visitors in the second half and hit Napoli on the break. Three last man tackles from star man Lucio on the day kept the scoreline down and led to a rating of 8.3 for the Brazilian, but with half of the players taking the field that day picking a rating of less than 6, the hosts were well beaten.
Last time around Inter were up after 3 minutes, proving that a good start can be crucial and may have been their downfall in the match this month. An even game, Inter held 50% of the possession and fired off 16 shots with 4 on target compared to Napoli's 12 and 5 respectively. A slightly diminished pass accuracy of 83% still bettered Napoli's figure and match-winner on the day Tiago Motta picked up a brace and WhoScored rating of 9.3. His man of the match display helped Inter to an excellent average rating of 7.24 in a 3-1 victory.
Lucio Standing Tall Amid Dismal Defence
Amongst a defence that has conceded a league high of 11 goals thus far, as well as 13 shots per game, there has been one shining light. The imposing presence of Lucio has remained a key figure in a tackle shy side that has completed a joint second league low of 18 challenges per match. The Brazilian is the team's top rated player with an average rating of 7.34 carrying on from an excellent score of 7.62 last season - a figure only bettered by the departed Samuel Eto'o, who has been sorely missed.
Making 2.8 tackles per match, the experienced centre-back is only behind the combative Cambiasso of regular starters, while his 4.4 interceptions per game is almost the double of any teammate. In comparison, his collapsing counterparts have been mediocre at very best in defence, with Walter Samuel, Christian Chivu and Andrea Ranocchia all rated below 6.3 so far.
While the latter's figure can be attributed to a red card in one of just 2 starts this season, 30-somethings Samuel and Chivu have looked off the pace, making just 1 and 1.3 tackles per game respectively. The veterans have proven costly in terms of fouls committed, with Chivu's 2.7 a team high, and both have contributed to a terrible disciplinary record.
12 yellow cards and 2 reds in just 5 games have also led to penalties being conceded in the last 3 matches and if Inter are to turn their fortunes around, they will need to stop piling pressure on themselves with petulance, silly fouls and individual mistakes. Maicon made his first start of the season and despite being able to prevent defeat, will be a welcome addition back into a newly restored back four.
Andrea Ranocchia is injured despite being suspended and the 23-year-old's return will also inject a little youth into an otherwise ageing defence, potentially at the expense of the faltering Samuel. However, the most anticipated return will be that of Wesley Sneijder, who eventually stayed at the club despite a great deal of interest from the likes of Manchester United.
The Dutchman will be played in a 4-3-1-2 formation in behind the strikers, which was tested in his absence against Napoli to little effect. The system is one of 4 that Inter have lined up with in just 5 games, proving that they have not yet found their feet in any particular tactic, though with a weak defence, 4 at the back is surely the way to go?
Catania, Chievo and Atalanta will be seen as must win games before a crunch game against rejuvenated league leaders Juventus will really test Ranieri and Inter’s waning title credentials.
