Inter launched a new third kit on Saturday during their home game against Parma. The slick grey gear is designed to mimic the colour of the Duomo, Milan’s magnificent cathedral. Unfortunately, for long spells, the hosts played with the agility and speed of a six-hundred-year-old stone monument.
Spurs’ next opponents lost 1-0 to their newly-promoted guests. Federico Dimarco, an Inter youth product and fan of his former team, scored the only goal of the afternoon with a Roberto Carlos-esque missile. Inter had 28 shots and ten corners to Parma’s one, but the ball refused to go in. Cue whistles from the famous, steep stands and disbelief among the experts.
But Tottenham fans hoping the upset will derail their Italian rivals for their Group B clash are mistaken. Inter are a club that specialise in unpredictability and lurching from highs to lows. Their own fans call them ‘Crazy Inter (Pazza Inter)’.
Inter launched a new third kit on Saturday ahead of their clash with Tottenham at the San Siro
But the unpredictable Italian side were beaten 1-0 at home by newly-promoted Parma
The Parma stumble has increased the scrutiny on coach Luciano Spalletti, but the defeat will lead to an honest review of what went wrong and should galvanise them for the visit of Harry Kane and teammates. Spalletti bemoaned a lack of ‘ruthlessness and intensity’.
There are mitigating circumstances. Inter recruited a host of new faces during the summer, and the starting XI on Saturday featured new boys Stefan de Vrij in central defence, Radja Nainggolan in midfield and Keita Balde upfront.
Captain Mauro Icardi came on in the second half but didn’t look fully fit. The brilliant Croatian contingent of Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic can be forgiven for taking longer to find their rhythm after reaching the World Cup final in Russia.
Sime Vrsaljko, Croatia’s buccaneering right-back, joined Inter in the summer, but a combination of fatigue and a knee issue are holding him back.
Uruguayan Mattias Vecino, another influential performer at the World Cup, also seems under par. Large numbers of players are treading water, and it’s a headache for Spalletti. He needs to strengthen their minds and muscles.
The former Roma boss has never been shy to talk about his squad’s fragile mentality, but accepts that it’s his job to resolve the difficulties as soon as possible.
Captain Mauro Icardi (right) came on in the second half against Parma but didn’t look fully fit
Inter coach Luciano Spalletti speaks to his players at training before their clash with Spurs
The referees didn’t leave the San Siro unscathed on Saturday either. Spalletti felt Inter should have been awarded a penalty after a handball by goal hero Dimarco. A pacy Perisic cross struck the underside of Dimarco’s arm, and Spalletti called it a ‘clear and resounding incident.’
Doubts over the condition of key players, a general sluggishness and teething trouble for some of the costly new recruits – not the ideal preparation for a demanding Champions League tie. But it’s rarely smooth sailing with Inter. But the Parma trauma should bring everyone together.
The Nerazzurri are so thrilled to be back in the tournament. They are the last Italian team to win Europe’s biggest prize (2010) and it’s a blessing that their first match is a vital one. It’s not an underwhelming clash against a plucky minnow. Inter and Spurs are probably battling it out to nab second position behind Barcelona.
Three points from their direct rivals on Tuesday evening would be the perfect start. Nainggolan relishes the big stage and will be determined to show his best again after reaching the semi-finals last year with Roma. Icardi boasts outrageous figures in domestic football: 100 goals in 162 Serie A games.
Tottenham’s side train amid the intimidating surroundings of the San Siro coliseum on Monday
But can he transfer his predatory gifts to the highest level? He hasn’t scored yet this campaign and Inter are missing his contribution sorely. Tuesday night would be the ideal time to find the net again.
Milan Skrniar, the composed Slovakian defender has been a revelation since joining the Nerazzurri in summer 2017. He wants to test himself against the world’s best forwards. The entire club is keen to reclaim its place among the elite.
The aftermath of the defeat to Parma was painful and frustrating. ‘Same old Inter’ and ‘why do these things always happen to us?’ were the usual refrains. But Spalletti prides himself on his straight-talking motivational skills. His language is never banal.
‘To me the Champions League means wonderful feelings. The way the stadiums are beautifully decorated makes it the Disney of football. It’s where all our dreams come true.’ Said the coach. And he can count on stars who are hungry to light up the competition for the first time.
The Spurs tie is an ideal ignition pad for the season after a false start, which includes two defeats in four league games. It offers the perfect chance for ‘Crazy Inter’ to show what they are capable of.
Forget dressing as a cathedral, if the real Skrniar, Nainggolan, Perisic and Icardi spark into life, it will be Spurs seeking divine intervention.