After rather dull encounters in the last few seasons, Inter Milan’s recent performances seem to suggest that under their new manager, the historic rivalry with Juventus is not a lost cause yet.
Way back in the 1960s, led by the legendry trio of Giampiero Boniperti, Omar Sivori and John Charles, Internazionale won back to back European Cups as Juventus looked on in envy. It was Gianni Brera who bestowed the moniker Derby d’Italia for the matches between the two sides. At that time, it was these two clubs that had more accolades than any other side in Italy.
However, with each passing year, the glory of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza faded till the club became the laughing stock of Italian football. Despite billions of lira spent by Massimo Moratti, it was AC Milan who claimed the right to be considered the best in Lombardy. So much were Inter mired in obscurity that many suggested the Derby d’Italia to become the moniker for the games between Milan and Juventus.
That was not to be as along came the Calciopoli scandal which saw Inter return to the summit of Italian and European football. However, the Jose Mourinho days seem light years away as the Old Lady has once again risen from the ashes and become the benchmark for all sides in the country.
In the past few years, games between these two sides have been relatively one sided with the turin giants being the dominant hand. In the last five Derby d’Italia, Antonio Conte’s side have won four times on their way towards becoming the dominant force in the peninsula.
It is a case of contrasting fortunes really where one team is romping its way towards successes while the other is going through a serious identity crisis. How fortunes can turn around in football. Just a few years back, the Nerazzurri were the best in Italy and last season, they turned out to be a side that let in more goals that any side in the Serie A for the bare exception of relegated Pescara.
Since the departure of Jose Mourinho, Moratti was unable to find a manager who could revive the club’s ailing fortunes. The likes of Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri and Andrea Stramaccioni were unable to do anything about it. Now, it is Walter Mazzarri whose managerial skills will be tested to the limit.
In his defence, the former Napoli manager has shown an inclination towards playing youngsters unlike his predecessors who were way too consistent in their starting lineups. The arrival of Ishak Belfodil, Mauro Icardi and Saphir Taider offers good reason for optimism. Mateo Kovacic and Juan Jesus have also shown promise.
Indeed, the first two games have seen Mazarri’s side score five goals without conceding a single. Improvement has been made. However, it is the upcoming encounter against the reigning champions that will give fans the idea of how far Inter have come and what are the things that they need to work on.
After retaining the Scudetto last season, the Turin giants are again favourites for this season’s title and it is the game against this side that will go a long way in defining how Inter’s season will pan out for them.
However, with each passing year, the glory of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza faded till the club became the laughing stock of Italian football. Despite billions of lira spent by Massimo Moratti, it was AC Milan who claimed the right to be considered the best in Lombardy. So much were Inter mired in obscurity that many suggested the Derby d’Italia to become the moniker for the games between Milan and Juventus.
That was not to be as along came the Calciopoli scandal which saw Inter return to the summit of Italian and European football. However, the Jose Mourinho days seem light years away as the Old Lady has once again risen from the ashes and become the benchmark for all sides in the country.
In the past few years, games between these two sides have been relatively one sided with the turin giants being the dominant hand. In the last five Derby d’Italia, Antonio Conte’s side have won four times on their way towards becoming the dominant force in the peninsula.
It is a case of contrasting fortunes really where one team is romping its way towards successes while the other is going through a serious identity crisis. How fortunes can turn around in football. Just a few years back, the Nerazzurri were the best in Italy and last season, they turned out to be a side that let in more goals that any side in the Serie A for the bare exception of relegated Pescara.
Since the departure of Jose Mourinho, Moratti was unable to find a manager who could revive the club’s ailing fortunes. The likes of Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri and Andrea Stramaccioni were unable to do anything about it. Now, it is Walter Mazzarri whose managerial skills will be tested to the limit.
In his defence, the former Napoli manager has shown an inclination towards playing youngsters unlike his predecessors who were way too consistent in their starting lineups. The arrival of Ishak Belfodil, Mauro Icardi and Saphir Taider offers good reason for optimism. Mateo Kovacic and Juan Jesus have also shown promise.
Indeed, the first two games have seen Mazarri’s side score five goals without conceding a single. Improvement has been made. However, it is the upcoming encounter against the reigning champions that will give fans the idea of how far Inter have come and what are the things that they need to work on.
After retaining the Scudetto last season, the Turin giants are again favourites for this season’s title and it is the game against this side that will go a long way in defining how Inter’s season will pan out for them.
