Inter Milan Back in the Race for Serie A

How quickly things can change in football. Before the winter break, Inter seemed to be effectively out of the title race following their woeful form in the first half of the season. It was Lazio, Napoli and Juventus that were vying for the top spots with the Old Lady perhaps representing the best challenge to Milan’s stranglehold on first place.

But in less than two weeks and after three matches in the Serie A, Inter are suddenly back in the title race.

In his first game in charge, new coach Leonardo led his new side to a comprehensive win over high-flying Napoli before a hard-fought win in Sicily against Catania. Then, yesterday, the Nerazzurri continued their winning form with another commanding performance, this time against Bologna, as they went on to win, 4-1.

With a game in hand, the Nerazzurri do remain nine points behind league leaders and city rivals AC Milan. However, second-place Napoli are two games ahead of Leonardo’s side, meaning that if Inter can collect two wins from their two games in hand, they could leapfrog into second place.

Under their new boss Leonardo, Inter already look a completely different side compared to the one that laboured through the first half of the season. They are playing a game more akin to the player’s abilities and limitations.

Instead of being forced to play a game based on possession, like they were under Rafael Benitez, Leonardo has built a team around a strong central defensive unit that are quick to attack. It is in a similar fashion to how Jose Mourinho set out his Inter side, who conquered all before last season.

Key players that underperformed under Benitez’ reign are also returning to form under the guidance of their Leo.  Most notably, Diego Milito, who was decisive in Inter’s historic achievements last season, is showing signs of returning to his best.

The striker scored only his fourth Serie A goal of the season over the weekend but contributed to Samuel Eto'o's first goal with an exquisite back heel. Maicon and Pandev are two others that have displayed promising signs under Leonardo.

In the first half of the season, Inter suffered from a number of injuries to key players that did not help a team struggling to adjust to their new coach. But it seems their injury crisis is coming to an end as team regulars like Thiago Motta and Esteban Cambiasso return to the fold.

The return of these key players along with the new lease of life that Leonardo has injected into the team put Inter in good stead for the remainder of the season.

With Juventus’ challenge having suffered so far into this New Year and with Lazio bound to drop off the pace as their slim squad becomes more and more exposed, it is the perfect timing for Inter to rediscover themselves and make a charge for the title.

Napoli and Roma will continue to be competitive, but neither of these two sides is expected to really mount a serious challenge. Hence, it appears that this season’s title may become a contest between the two Milan giants, which will make for a highly engaging Milan derby on April 3.

Last season at Milan, Leonardo showed glimpses of his talent as a coach. What he achieved with a modest Rossoneri squad was highly impressive for a coach in his rookie year.

Now, with easily the best squad in Italy, it appears Leonardo is revelling in his new position as Inter boss. In his short time, he has already transformed from what was a struggling Inter side into a resurgent contender, and by doing so he may just cause a headache or two for his former employees.