A storm swept through Milan, and while Inter sought refuge in Monza from the rain, they could not avoid the blows from Al Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc. Thirteen thousand fans gathered at the U-Power Stadium, eager to see the two star players, Thuram and Benzema. However, it was Moussa Diaby, wearing the number 19 shirt and once a player in Crotone, who stole the show with a brace, leading his side to a 2-0 victory.
The key to unlocking the match for Inter was supposed to be their rhythm, but it was disappointingly low for most of the game. Besides a promising start in the first quarter-hour, where some strong plays brought hope, the team struggled. Under the guidance of coach Inzaghi, Inter featured many key players, with Sommer, Acerbi, Bastoni, Darmian, Dimarco, Calhanoglu, Barella, Frattesi, and Thuram all starting, while Lautaro was absent and Mkhitaryan rested.
Inter had a couple of clear chances: one in the 10th minute from a sequence involving Dimarco, Frattesi, and Correa, where the Argentine rounded the goalkeeper but saw his shot cleared off the line by Luiz Felipe. Three minutes later, Dimarco delivered a cross that Darmian headed just wide. After these attempts, the chances dried up, and their mistakes became costly, leading to Diaby’s first goal—a weak shot that Sommer inexplicably let slide in at his near post.
This match was dubbed “August football,” a phrase highlighting a lack of intensity, and referentially discussed as a step back compared to earlier encounters with Las Palmas and Pisa. Thuram, returning from injury, was still finding his form, while Correa seemed distracted, looking as if he were waiting to leave the club. A series of indecisions plagued the team, highlighted by Diaby’s second goal, which came from a poor pass by Bastoni, with Bisseck offering little resistance.
Inzaghi made nine substitutions after an hour, but the scenario remained unchanged, as Inter finished the match without scoring. This marked the first time they failed to find the net this summer. Correa once again struggled for form, while Bisseck, despite conceding two goals, showed promise and was even cheered by fans for his efforts in both defensive and attacking roles.
On a worrying note, defender de Vrij exited the field late on due to a muscle issue, something that will need monitoring in the coming days. Looking ahead, Inter will fly to London to meet Chelsea on the 12th, before turning their focus to Genoa, as Serie A kicks off in ten days. Inzaghi is keeping a close eye on the weather as the new campaign approaches.
