Squeezing Past Cagliari

 We took another step towards our 19th Scudetto with a nervy 1–0 win over Cagliari at San Siro. The scenes when we finally scored was reflective of Inter fans all over the world. It was also reflective of the way the game was going. All the awful thoughts of choking in matches that mattered matches that we were expected to win but didn’t and of choking a lead in the table were flashing back in my head the longer the game was 0–0.

Struggling To Break Down Cagliari

Antonio Conte made several changes to the team, only two enforced due to Nicolo Barella’s suspension and Ivan Perisic’s injury. Unfortunately, the changes made didn’t have the desired effect. We struggled to break down Cagliari’s organised and deep defence. Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young on the flanks lacked the guile and speed that Achraf Hakimi and Ivan Perisic would normally have in that position. Alexis Sanchez was given a rare start but looks better coming off the bench.

Finally Breaking The Deadlock

We didn’t have many clear-cut chances as we struggled to break down Cagliari. Christian Eriksen and Stefano Sensi tested Cagliari’s stand-in goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicaro with long-range shots. Darmian had an attempt too that was saved. As the second half progressed, you could sense we were getting closer to break the deadlock. Stefan de Vrij had a header that crashed off the bar. Substitutes were introduced and I was not surprised to see Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez getting hauled off. What did surprise me was that Darmian kept his place. I turned out to be a piece of wonderful foresight from Conte. Darmian was shifted to left wing-back when Hakimi was introduced. Romelu Lukaku rolled in Hakimi who ran on and played an inch-perfect cross for Darmian from the opposite flank to tap in. It was a goal that I followed every step of the way, kicking out when the ball was played across for Darmian.

Why The Criticism For Inter?

We hung on to win 1–0 but it was a nervy ending as we didn’t look solid or assured at keeping out Cagliari. All game, Leonardo Pavoletti was unbeatable in the air. He had the better of our de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni when the ball was in the air. It was a relief to see him get substituted. One more game chalked off, one less game to go before the season ends. Conte is right to say that every match now is worth 6 points which makes every victory extra significant. There has been a lot of criticism for the way Inter are playing in recent weeks. It’s been effective. I can’t understand the criticism because we have played more openly for most of this season. I don’t mind winning ugly now if it means winning the Scudetto. When Juventus won nine titles in a row, their football was hardly beautiful every step of the way. No one complained then about their style of play, why are there different expectations for Inter?



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