It is Still a Loss

By: Jeremy | September 20th, 2009

So do we want to be happy because we played our strongest match of the season against Inter? Do we want to bitch and moan about how Inter did not deserve to win this match? I would answer no to both of those questions because not only did we lose, but the obvious weaknesses of the team were shown today and if Allegri does not fix them and quickly, we will be playing in Serie B next year.

Inter fan has to be breathing a sigh of relief because they escaped Sardinia with three points after a tough run of matches including mid week against Barca in the CL. As always happens when we play a big team at home, we come out strong, the crowd is going crazy and we get the first goal, this time on a well called penalty. We then do what I hate which is play 10 men behind the ball hoping to get a win. This might work against lower tier clubs, but not againt Inter. Eventually whether its the pressure resulting in a mistake, or a well finished goal, teams like Inter will score if you play defensively. You would think that Allegri would play the film of last seasons road game to Juve to remind him what tactics to use against the big teams or any team for that matter. He obviously is doing his Nedo Sonetti impression instead. I dont get it.

Inters first goal came on a mistake when Conti tripped over the ball and the momentum swung back to Inter and Milito took advantage getting the second goal as well. While both teams had chances throughout and each could say they missed chances that were easy finishes, the game ended the way it did. Yeah we saw some antics from Mourinho and I am sure it was not because of Astoris tackle, but probably the crazy crowd venting their frustrations at the Inter players, but that is just circus stuff and Mourinho trying to bond with his players when he can afford to make a scene. Say what you want about him, but he knows what to say and do at all the right times.

That being said, we were again reminded of our strengths and weaknesses throughout the match. Our midfield is great and we have lots of depth which means we will end up with a lot of time with posession or some real pressure and chances created with the midfield play. Again Cossu was brilliant and we saw our strength really put pressure on Inter. However, our defensive problems again showed up and while it was Conti, one of our more experienced players who made the mistake, whether it is him, Lopez, or another youngster, the back is not organized properly and this continues to be an issue causing goals to be gifted to the other side at the wrong time. As soon as we gifted Inter the tying goal, that was it.

We have also failed to score a goal this year during the run of play. After four matches that is a serious issue. I still dont get why Nene is not starting. Matri sucks, period, and with our midfield strong, has talent being utilized where it should is never going to happen. He is a midfielder(if anything) type and not a striker. Nene coming in for the last part of the game again makes no sense. If he can play 15 minutes, he can start the game. You dont lose Aquasfresca and spend 4 mil on his replacement for him to sit on the bench. Wake up Allegri. Larrivey, even in a few moments on the field, shows why he is worthless. Ragaztu is a better player even at such a young age.

Again its just four games, but we now see what we are made of as we get four very winnable games in a row. While three of them are on the road, games with Bari, Parma, Chievo, and Catania better generate 7-9 points atleast or this early bad start will be a problem.

Great effort by the team today and great to see the Sant Elia rocking, but no matter how much running you do and how many nice passing sequences you create, if you cant finish, you are not going to win, especially against teams like Inter. It was a bad loss, but still one we expected. Allegri better figure things out soon because the real season begins next round.