5 Talking points from Internazionale vs Palermo

1. The return of Gian Piero Gasperini

An ill-fated 5 game reign at Internazionale not withstanding, Gasperini is probably still a good coach, with a footballing philosophy of his own in place. His career choices though, are astounding. To recover from his stint at Inter, he went ahead and took over as coach at Palermo, the very epitome of coaching instability. However, if he can do it at Palermo, he can probably do it anywhere. A proper grudge match, Gasperini would have wanted to win it desperately. Both teams played a 3-4-3, with Gasperini still persisting with the 3-4-3 that got him fired at Inter. He has the team to do it at Palermo, led by Josip Ilicic and Barreto. Though Palermo had some bright moments going forward, they were unlucky to lose due to a very flukish own goal. Palermo are struggling though in the Serie A, languishing just outside the relegation zone. Is it just a matter of time before Gasperini is sent packing again?

2. 3-4-3 cancelled out

With both teams playing an attacking 3-4-3, the game was concentrated in midfield, as both teams tried to impose themselves over the other. However, the lack of a proper passing midfielder was felt on both sides as all the link up play going forward went to waste for both teams. Coutinho was very purposeful in his running, but with a lack of support from deep, the attacks became pointless. Ilicic was very slick on the ball, all feints and shimmies, but did not get great support from the talented but inconsistent Dybala, and Barreto was too deep to be of great effect. So despite some purposeful running and intent, the lack of a cutting edge was felt badly.

3. Marauding wingbacks

Pereira and Zanetti were full of energy, providing constant support on the wings, with Pereira being specially involved. His direct running at the defence led to various half chances opening up for the attack, however an off-day meant that none of those chances were converted. Their defensive coverage was good, controlling Palermo for most part of the game. However, the lack of a guy in the penalty box was glaring, and so Inter couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities. The addition of Nagatomo in the 2nd half added some much needed speed and dynamism to the team, and helped Inter maintain the lead. Morganella and Pisano helped provide the threat on the flanks for Palermo.

4. Own goal

The only goal of the match came as a result of a deflection off of a poor cross from Ranocchia, which was diverted in to the goal and away from his goalkeeper. The ironic fact about the goal is that the cross sent in by Ranocchia was inaccurate and misguided, and with no Inter player in sight, the defender sent it in to the goal. The goal hopefully helps Inter get their season back on track, as they have faltered in the last couple of weeks. Palermo will consider themselves unlucky to lose out to such a freak goal, and their performance was encouraging, to say the least.

5. For the lack of a centre midfielder

Inter struggled to connect the play from midfield to attack, and Palermo did the same, defending being their problem. The lack of a passer in the centre of the field was clear, with Cambiasso trying valiantly but to no avail. The reinstatement of Sneijder might go a long way in helping the team pass the ball with much more fluidity. Similarly, the absence of Cassano was felt so badly, as his free attacking role helped add unpredictability to the team.

Stramaccioni needs to get his team’s balance right, and with that, put an end to their continuous change in shape and personnel. Gasperini though has his work cut out, as he needs to try and find a formula that works, or else Zamparini will start playing his favorite game – Managerial poker. Palermo felt the absence of their talisman Miccoli, as he was not on the bench, and so they could not finish off the chances that they had.

Full time: Inter 1-0 Palermo