Milan had a rough start to their Serie A title chase as both Inter and Milan struggled in their opening matches. Each team earned just one point, with both matches ending in dramatic 2-2 draws, a result that both coaches might not have anticipated. Inter seemed to be cruising towards victory against Genoa until they were shockingly pegged back in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Milan found themselves trailing 2-0 against Torino before mounting a valiant comeback in the final moments.
Inter’s performance could have been more convincing. They appeared to have control over the match, especially after Marcus Thuram scored in the 85th minute. Coach Simone Inzaghi had brought on several top players from the bench, including the dynamic Frattesi. However, the team lost their grip, allowing Genoa to capitalize on Inter’s defensive shortcomings. It was a disappointing outcome, considering Genoa was lacking several key attacking players and even had to introduce a 2006-born debutant in Ekhator due to injuries.
On the other hand, Milan faced significant difficulties for the first hour of their match. They struggled to adapt to Torino’s well-organized structure under new manager Ivan Vanoli. The Granata had an effective 3-5-2 formation that limited Milan’s attacking options. But in the closing minutes, as Torino began to feel the pressure, the Rossoneri fought hard, ultimately leveling the score against the odds.
A notable aspect of the matches was the VAR’s involvement. For those questioning its effectiveness, the contrasting scenarios highlight its importance. Without VAR, both games could have been riddled with errors. Inter would have been awarded a dubious penalty while losing a valid goal, while Torino’s goal that could have given them the lead would likely have gone unrecognized. While technology has its flaws—like during a momentary blackout at San Siro—when used correctly, VAR enhances fairness in football.
As both teams prepare for upcoming challenges, they’ll need to regroup and find better form, especially with a title race that many expect to be fiercely contested in the coming season. The early observations suggest a need for improvements, but also showcase the resilience and spirit both clubs are capable of, setting the stage for an intriguing Serie A campaign ahead.
